The Cost of Driving From Chapel Hill to Raleigh: Gas Price Edition

If you're planning a road trip from Chapel Hill to Raleigh, you might be wondering how much it will cost you. As gas prices can fluctuate frequently, it's challenging to estimate the cost of the trip. Don't worry, though, we've got you covered. Here's an overview of different routes to Raleigh, how long they'll take, and the approximate cost of each one - based on the current gas price in North Carolina.

Route 1: Taking the US-64 E

If you're in Chapel Hill and want to drive to Raleigh, the fastest way is taking the US-64 E. It's approximately 31.7 miles and will take about 40 minutes to get to Raleigh. The cost of gas per gallon in North Carolina is currently averaging at $2.70. With an estimated gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, this route may cost you around $10.72 on gas alone.

Route 2: Taking the I-40 E

Another alternative route to get to Raleigh from Chapel Hill is I-40 E. It's a more extended route, with an estimated distance of 32.5 miles. On average, it takes nearly 46 minutes to cover this distance. As for the cost, assuming the gas price remains at $2.70 per gallon, you might have to spend around $10.80 in gas on this route alone.

Route 3: Taking a Combination of US-15 N and US-1 N

If you prefer scenic routes to your destination, you might want to try a combination of US-15 N and US-1 N. The total distance of this route is approximately 33.7 miles with an estimated travel time of 44 minutes. The total gas cost on this route will be the same as Route 2, which is roughly $10.80.

Route 4: Toll Route via NC-540 W and NC-147 N (Triangle Expressway)

There is also a toll route available if you want to get to Raleigh quickly. You can take NC-540 W and NC-147 N (Triangle Expressway). The estimated distance for this route is around 28.3 miles, and it takes 32 minutes to get to Raleigh. The downside of this route is that it has tolls, and a pass costs $3.27. You'll use two passes for this trip, which sums up to $6.54. In addition, you'll spend approximately $8.49 on gas.

In conclusion, driving to Raleigh from Charlotte is quite an affordable journey. With current gas prices and toll fees, the total cost of the trip ranges between $10.72 to $25.33 - depending on which route you choose to drive. However, remember that these costs may vary depending on the size and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Always be conscious of your driving habits to try and conserve fuel and save you some extra cash. Happy travels!