The Cost of Driving From Arizona to Virginia: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you dreaming of a cross-country road trip, from the deserts of Arizona to the green hills of Virginia? While driving can be a fun and adventurous way to see the country, it's important to budget for the cost of the trip. Here's a breakdown of some different routes you could take and the cost of each one, based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-40 East to I-81 North

This is the most direct route, but it also involves a lot of driving on interstate highways. From Flagstaff, Arizona, to Roanoke, Virginia, this route covers 2,245 miles and takes approximately 33 hours of driving time (not accounting for stops).

The average price of gas along this route is currently around $2.30 per gallon. Based on the average fuel economy of a car (25 miles per gallon), the total cost of gas for this trip would be around $184.

In addition to gas costs, there are also tolls to consider. The most expensive toll along this route is the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which charges $51.70 for a car to travel the entire length of the road. There are also tolls in Virginia and other states along the way, but they are generally cheaper.

Route 2: Scenic Route via Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway

If you're looking for a more scenic option, you could take a longer route that includes some of the classic American roadways. From Kingman, Arizona, to Roanoke, Virginia, this route covers 2,450 miles and takes approximately 43 hours of driving time (not accounting for stops).

The average price of gas along this route is similar to Route 1, at around $2.30 per gallon. With the same fuel economy assumptions, the total cost of gas for this trip would be around $202.

Since this route includes some state and national parks, there are also entrance fees to consider. The Grand Canyon National Park, for example, charges $35 for a seven-day pass per vehicle. The Blue Ridge Parkway has no entrance fee, but some of the attractions along the way may charge admission fees.

Route 3: Southern Route via I-10 and I-20

Finally, if you want to avoid driving through the mountains, you could take a southern route that stays in lower elevations. From Tucson, Arizona, to Roanoke, Virginia, this route covers 2,270 miles and takes approximately 32 hours of driving time (not accounting for stops).

The average price of gas along this route is slightly lower than the other two options, at around $2.25 per gallon. With the same fuel economy assumptions, the total cost of gas for this trip would be around $182.

There are also some tolls along this route, but they are generally cheaper than the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For example, the Florida Turnpike charges around $5 for a passenger car to travel the entire length of the road.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Arizona to Virginia can vary based on the route you choose. The most direct route is generally the cheapest, but taking a scenic route or a southern route can offer a more interesting experience.

No matter which route you choose, it's important to budget for gas, tolls, and other expenses along the way. With a little planning and some careful budgeting, you can enjoy a great road trip across the country without breaking the bank.