Driving Cost from Durham, North Carolina to Seattle, Washington

A picture depicting a gas pump

Road Trip Budget: Driving from Durham, North Carolina to Seattle, Washington Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you ready to embark on an epic road trip from Durham, North Carolina to the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the costs associated with this adventurous journey! We’ll explore a couple of popular routes, analyze their distances, estimated travel times, and the overall cost based on current gas prices. Let’s get started!

Route 1: The Southern Route via I-40 W

If you’re looking for a scenic drive filled with beautiful vistas and charming towns, this route is perfect for you. Taking I-40 W, this route rolls through several states, providing breathtaking views along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 2,700 miles
  • Estimated Time: Roughly 40 hours of driving time
  • Gas Prices: Assuming the current average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon, and considering your vehicle’s fuel efficiency is around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 108 gallons of gas.

Calculating the total for gas: 108 gallons x $3.50 = $378.

Additionally, while this route doesn't have any major tolls, keep in mind that you might encounter some minor tolls in urban areas. Let’s estimate those at about $20 for the entire trip.

So, when you add it all up, the total estimated cost for this route would be around $398. What a steal for such an unforgettable adventure!

Route 2: The Northern Route via I-70 W and I-5 N

For those who appreciate a bit of an adventure and don't mind some mileage, the Northern Route via I-70 W and then I-5 N offers unique landscapes along the way. This path takes you through major cities and stunning parks.

  • Distance: Approximately 2,900 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 42 hours of driving time
  • Gas Prices: With the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle's fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, you’ll use around 116 gallons of gas.

Calculating the total for gas: 116 gallons x $3.50 = $406.

On this route, you’re more likely to encounter tolls, especially when driving through parts of New York and Pennsylvania. Let’s estimate the toll costs at around $50 for this journey.

When you total it up, the Northern Route would cost you approximately $456. Although it’s a bit pricier, the sights you’ll see might make it worth every penny!

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose the scenic Southern Route or the adventurous Northern Route, both will offer a wealth of experiences as you travel from Durham to Seattle. Based on our breakdown, the estimated trip costs are:

  • Southern Route: $398
  • Northern Route: $456

So, as you plan your travels, consider these routes, distances, times, and costs to budget properly for your adventure. Remember, each mile creates memories, and every pit stop adds to the excitement. Safe travels and happy road-tripping!