Taking a Road Trip from Augusta, GA to Columbia, SC: The Cost of Gas and Tolls

It's time for a little road trip! Before you hit the road from Augusta, Georgia down to Columbia, South Carolina, you need to decide the best route to get there. And an important consideration when taking a road trip is the cost of fuel and tolls. In this post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, the distance, time, and the estimated cost including gas and tolls based on current gas prices.

The Quickest Route

First, let's talk about the quickest route from Augusta, GA, to Columbia, SC. The most direct route is via I-20 E, which is about 72 miles. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete, without traffic. The total out of pocket cost will likely come around $13.48. This estimation is based on an average fuel consumption rate of 26 miles per gallon, with gas prices around $2.50 per gallon, and no tolls on this stretch of the journey.

Here's the breakdown:

Route	Distance	Time to Drive	Fuel Cost	Toll Cost	Total Cost
I-20 E	72 mi	1 hr, 10 min	$7.31	$0	$13.48

The Scenic Route

The alternate route from Augusta to Columbia is via US-1 S through Aiken, SC. It's a little bit longer than highway I-20 E, but this route offers more scenic views and a slower pace on the road. The total route takes approximately 83 miles (1 hour and 45 minutes) to drive and cost around $14.22 in gas instead of $7.31. Additionally, there will be no tolls on this path.

Here's the breakdown:

Route	Distance	Time to Drive	Fuel Cost	Toll Cost	Total Cost
US-1 S	83 mi	1 hr, 45 min	$10.93	$0	$14.22

The Tollway Route

If you're in a hurry to get to Columbia, SC, & don't mind paying road tolls, your best route is via I-20 E with a small stretch of the turnpike. The total distance to cover will be 86.6 miles, and it would take around 1 hour and 17 minutes, based on an average driving speed of 70 mph. The total estimated expense for this route could be around $16.60, including the toll on the turnpike.

Here's the breakdown:

Route	Distance	Time to Drive	Fuel Cost	Toll Cost	Total Cost
I-20 E + I-520 E	86.6 mi	1 hr, 17 min	$8.25	$8.35	$16.60

Final Thoughts

It's always a good idea to consider the cost of fuel and tolls when planning a road trip. Gas prices can fluctuate, and toll fees may vary based on the time of day you travel and the type of vehicle you're in. So make sure to plan your route well in advance and take into account all the factors.

That's it! We hope this blog post helped you choose the best route based on your travel preferences and budget. Happy road tripping!