Driving Cost from Charlotte, North Carolina to Arlington, Texas

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Charlotte, North Carolina and Arlington, Texas

Introduction

Planning a trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Arlington, Texas? Before hitting the road, it is crucial to budget for the cost of the journey. Gas prices can fluctuate, significantly impacting the overall expenses of your travel. In this article, we will explore the various routes between these two cities, highlighting the distances and costs associated with each one. Based on current gas prices, we will also recommend the best route to take.

Route 1: I-85 S and I-20 W

The first possible route is to take Interstate 85 South and then Interstate 20 West. This route spans approximately 970 miles and is the most direct option. As you travel through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and finally into Texas, it offers a scenic drive with ample places to stop and explore along the way.

Gas Costs

To estimate the fuel expense for this route, we need to consider the average gas prices in different states. As of April 2021, the average gas price in North Carolina is $2.70 per gallon, in South Carolina is $2.49 per gallon, in Georgia is $2.57 per gallon, and in Texas is $2.52 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, let's calculate the total gas cost for this trip.

  • Distance from Charlotte, NC to Arlington, TX: 970 miles
  • Number of gallons required: 970 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 38.8 gallons

Now, let's calculate the total cost by multiplying the number of gallons by the respective gas prices in each state:

  • In North Carolina: 38.8 gallons * $2.70 per gallon = $104.76
  • In South Carolina: 38.8 gallons * $2.49 per gallon = $96.41
  • In Georgia: 38.8 gallons * $2.57 per gallon = $99.77
  • In Texas: 38.8 gallons * $2.52 per gallon = $97.54

The estimated total gas cost for Route 1 is $398.48.

Route 2: I-40 W

Another option to consider is taking Interstate 40 West. This route spans approximately 1,120 miles and offers a more scenic drive compared to Route 1. By taking this route, you will have the opportunity to visit cities such as Nashville, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas.

Gas Costs

To calculate the estimated fuel expense for this route, we will utilize the same average gas prices and fuel efficiency assumed in Route 1.

  • Distance from Charlotte, NC to Arlington, TX: 1,120 miles
  • Number of gallons required: 1,120 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 44.8 gallons

Calculating the total cost by multiplying the number of gallons by the respective gas prices in each state:

  • In North Carolina: 44.8 gallons * $2.70 per gallon = $121.00
  • In Tennessee: 44.8 gallons * $2.58 per gallon = $115.58
  • In Arkansas: 44.8 gallons * $2.53 per gallon = $113.34
  • In Texas: 44.8 gallons * $2.52 per gallon = $112.90

The estimated total gas cost for Route 2 is $462.82.

Route 3: I-85 S, I-65 S, and I-20 W

For those seeking a slightly diverse route, an alternative option is to take Interstate 85 South, then Interstate 65 South, and finally Interstate 20 West. This route spans approximately 1,050 miles and provides the opportunity to drive through Birmingham, Alabama, and Meridian, Mississippi.

Gas Costs

Using the same average gas prices and fuel efficiency as before, let's calculate the estimated fuel expense for this route.

  • Distance from Charlotte, NC to Arlington, TX: 1,050 miles
  • Number of gallons required: 1,050 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 42 gallons

Now, let's calculate the total cost by multiplying the number of gallons by the respective gas prices in each state:

  • In North Carolina: 42 gallons * $2.70 per gallon = $113.40
  • In South Carolina: 42 gallons * $2.49 per gallon = $104.58
  • In Georgia: 42 gallons * $2.57 per gallon = $108.54
  • In Alabama: 42 gallons * $2.56 per gallon = $107.52
  • In Mississippi: 42 gallons * $2.46 per gallon = $103.32
  • In Texas: 42 gallons * $2.52 per gallon = $105.84

The estimated total gas cost for Route 3 is $643.20.

Route Recommendation

After analyzing the various routes, it is clear that Route 1, which includes Interstate 85 S and Interstate 20 W, is the most cost-effective. With an estimated gas cost of $398.48, it offers the shortest distance and the least expense compared to the other options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Arlington, Texas, it is essential to factor in the cost of gas. Based on the current gas prices, Route 1, via Interstate 85 S and Interstate 20 W, stands as the most recommendable choice. With an estimated fuel expense around $398.48, it is the shortest and most cost-effective route. However, it is important to keep in mind that gas prices may fluctuate, so it's advisable to check for updates closer to your travel date. Safe travels on your journey from Charlotte to Arlington!