Budgeting Your Journey: Cost of Driving from Durham, North Carolina to Ormond Beach, Florida Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Durham, NC to Ormond Beach, FL? Exciting beaches and warm weather await you! However, you might be wondering about the costs involved in driving down to sunny Florida. With gas prices and possible tolls in mind, let’s break down a couple of routes to help you budget your trip effectively!
Route 1: I-95 S - The Direct Path
Distance: 540 miles
Time: 8 hours
Estimated Cost: Approximately $70 (gas only)
Taking the I-95 S route is the fastest and most direct way to reach Ormond Beach. Starting from Durham, you’ll head straight down the interstate, making your drive straightforward. Assuming an average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon, you’re looking at around 22 gallons of gas.
Additionally, remember to consider possible tolls along the way. While there aren’t many direct tolls on I-95, you may encounter some when entering the Florida turnpike. Budget an extra $15 for tolls just to make sure you have everything covered!
Route 2: I-85 S to I-75 S - The Scenic Route
Distance: 600 miles
Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
Estimated Cost: Approximately $80 (gas only)
If you’re interested in taking in more scenery, consider the I-85 S to I-75 S route. This option is a little longer but provides lovely views of both rural North Carolina and Georgia. The total distance of this trip is 600 miles, and it should take about 9 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and assuming your vehicle still averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 24 gallons of gas. Thus, the cost will be about $84 for gas. Tolls are minimal on this route too, so you can expect to pay around $10 total to avoid any surprises!
Final Thoughts
In summary, whether you choose the faster direct route or the scenic alternative, your drive from Durham, NC to Ormond Beach, FL can be fairly budget-friendly. The total cost for the I-95 S route will be about $85 (gas and tolls), while the I-85 S and I-75 S route will come to roughly $90. Whichever path you take, be sure to pack your essentials, set your tunes, and prepare for a fantastic getaway. Have fun and drive safe!