The Cost of Driving from Durham to Asheville: A Budget Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Durham to Asheville? You’re in for a treat! The scenic beauty of North Carolina awaits you. However, let's take a closer look at the cost of driving to ensure your adventure stays well within budget. Here’s a breakdown of different routes, their distances, times, and costs based on current gas prices.
Route 1: The I-40 W Adventure
This is the most popular route, taking you through some breathtaking scenery along the way.
- Distance: approximately 245 miles
- Time: about 4 hours
- Gas Price: As of now, gas prices hover around $3.40 per gallon.
To calculate the cost, let’s assume your vehicle’s fuel economy is 25 miles per gallon. You would need about 9.8 gallons of gas for the trip, which amounts to roughly $33.32. There are no tolls on this route, so your total cost for this journey will be approximately $33.32.
Route 2: The Scenic US-64 Alternative
Looking for a more scenic drive? The US-64 route provides a beautiful view while meandering through charming small towns.
- Distance: approximately 282 miles
- Time: around 5 hours
- Gas Price: Again, we’ll use the current price of $3.40 per gallon.
With your vehicle's fuel economy still at 25 miles per gallon, you would require about 11.3 gallons of gas for this route. This brings the cost to about $38.42. Similar to the I-40 route, there are no tolls here either, making your total trip cost about $38.42.
Route 3: The I-85 & US-321 Shortcut
If you’re pressed for time but still want a pleasant ride, consider this route.
- Distance: approximately 230 miles
- Time: about 3.5 hours
- Gas Price: Continuing with the gas price at $3.40 per gallon.
For this route, you will need roughly 9.2 gallons of gas, leading to a cost of about $31.18. And, good news! There are no tolls on this path as well, bringing your grand total for this trip to $31.18.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely
When planning your road trip from Durham to Asheville, it’s essential to consider both the time and cost of each route. The I-40 W Adventure costs about $33.32, the Scenic US-64 Alternative will set you back $38.42, and the I-85 & US-321 Shortcut comes in at a budget-friendly $31.18.
Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to enjoy the beautiful North Carolina landscapes and have a fantastic time in Asheville! Safe travels!