The Cost of Driving from Atlanta to Columbus Based on Current Gas Prices
If you're planning a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Columbus, Ohio, you might be wondering about the cost. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it can be hard to predict how much money you'll need to budget for your journey. At the time of writing, the average price of gas in Georgia is $2.74 per gallon, while in Ohio, it's slightly higher at $2.83 per gallon. Keep these numbers in mind as we explore the cost of driving from Atlanta to Columbus.
Route 1: I-75N to I-71N
The most direct and straightforward route from Atlanta to Columbus is to take I-75N to I-71N. This is a distance of approximately 560 miles, which takes around 8.5 hours to drive with no stops. Of course, you'll likely want to take occasional breaks to stretch your legs and grab some food. Assuming you're driving a standard sedan that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $97 on gasoline for this route. Bear in mind, however, that if you're pulling a trailer or driving an SUV or truck that guzzles more gas, your costs will be higher.
Route 2: I-75N to I-70W
If you're looking for a slightly faster route, you could consider taking I-75N to I-70W instead. This is a distance of approximately 600 miles, but it shaves off around 30 minutes of driving time compared to the previous route, taking around 8 hours. However, this route does have tolls to consider. You'll need to pay $10.50 in tolls to drive on the Indiana Toll Road, as well as $17.30 to drive on the Ohio Turnpike. Based on the same gas mileage estimate as before, you'll likely spend around $105 on gasoline for this route, bringing your total cost to around $133.
Route 3: I-65N to I-70E
Finally, another option you could consider is taking I-65N to I-70E. This is a bit longer than the other routes, coming in at around 670 miles. However, it's also slightly quicker than Route 1, taking around 8 hours to drive. You won't have any tolls to worry about on this route, but it does take you through Indianapolis, so you might hit some traffic depending on when you're driving. Based on the same gas mileage estimate as before, you'll likely spend around $115 on gasoline for this route.
Conclusion:
As you can see, the cost of driving from Atlanta to Columbus can vary significantly depending on which route you choose. It's also worth remembering that gas prices can change at any time, so make sure to check the latest prices before embarking on your trip. Regardless of which route you take, don't forget to account for any additional expenses like food, lodging, and activities along the way. Safe travels!