Road Trip Cost: Driving From Arkansas to Washington D.C.

Are you planning a road trip from Arkansas to the nation's capital, Washington D.C.? This trip of almost 1,200 miles can be unforgettable, but there's one thing you need to know before you hit the road: the cost. Here's what you should expect based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The I-40 and I-81 Route

If you choose this route, you will drive from Arkansas to Virginia via the I-40 and then go to Washington D.C. along the I-81. The total distance is almost 1,350 miles, and depending on your pace, the trip will likely take you around 20 hours non-stop. You will need to make stops for food, rest, and fuel.

The current gas price along this route averages around $2.75 per gallon. So, if your car mileage is 30 mpg, you'll need around 45 gallons of gas, which makes the total cost of gas around $123.75.

You will also need to budget for toll fees on the I-81 section. The total cost of the tolls during business hours is approximately $44.00.

So, for this route, you should expect to spend around $167.75 on gas and toll fees.

Route 2: The I-40, I-75, and I-81 Route

This route is slightly longer than route 1, totaling 1,400 miles. You'll start on the I-40 in Arkansas, then proceed north along the I-75 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and finally onto I-81 toward D.C. This route will likely take you around 21 hours non-stop.

The gas price along this route varies between $2.68 to $2.85 per gallon. Using the midpoint of $2.76 per gallon, and with 30 mpg car mileage, you would need around 47 gallons of gas, which makes the total cost of gas around $129.72.

You will also need to include toll fees, which costs about $67.00 along the entire route.

So, for this route, you should expect to spend around $196.72 on gas and toll fees.

Route 3: The I-40, I-81, and I-66 Route

This is the shortest route at a total distance of about 1,200 miles. Starting from Arkansas, you take the I-40 and I-81 into Virginia, and then you take the I-66 into Washington D.C. This route is around 18 hours, non-stop.

The gas price along this route averages around $2.75 per gallon. If you use your 30 mpg car mileage, you'll need around 40 gallons of gas, which makes the total cost of gas around $110.00.

In terms of toll fees, you will need to budget around $24.00.

So, for this route, you should expect to spend around $134.00 on gas and toll fees.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for the shortest route or the cheapest, there is certainly a route that suits you. By considering the mileage, gas price, and toll fees along each route, you can make a more informed decision and budget your finances accordingly. Happy driving!