Driving Cost from Charlotte, North Carolina to Wichita, Kansas

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of Your Road Trip: Driving from Charlotte to Wichita

Are you planning an exciting road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Wichita, Kansas? Embarking on an adventure like this requires some planning, and understanding the cost of the journey is an essential part of that process. In this blog post, we'll break down the expense of different routes available, including the distance, time it takes, and cost for each option based on current gas prices and tolls. So, get ready to hit the road and let's dive in!

Route Options: Making Your Way to Wichita

1. The Direct Route: Through I-85 and I-40

The most straightforward and commonly chosen route to drive from Charlotte to Wichita is by taking I-85 N and I-40 W. This scenic route covers a distance of about 1,120 miles and usually takes around 16 hours, depending on traffic and your driving speed.

Now, the question arises: What will this journey cost you in terms of gas and tolls? Let's break it down.

  • Gas Price: The current average gas price is about $2.75 per gallon. Considering an average mileage of 24 miles per gallon for your vehicle, you would require approximately 46.7 gallons (rounded up to 47 gallons) to complete the trip.
  • Gas Cost: At $2.75 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $129 (rounded to the nearest dollar).
  • Tolls: Fortunately, there are no tolls on this particular route.

2. The Scenic Route: Through I-85 and US-50

If you're up for a more scenic drive, taking I-85 N and then switching to US-50 W can be an option worth considering. While it does add some extra miles to your journey, this route offers beautiful landscapes and interesting stops along the way.

The distance on this route adds up to approximately 1,230 miles, and you should plan for around 18.5 hours of driving time.

Let's crunch the numbers to determine the expenses:

  • Gas Price: With an average gas price of $2.75 per gallon and an estimated fuel efficiency of 24 miles per gallon, you would need roughly 51.3 gallons (rounded up to 52 gallons) of gas.
  • Gas Cost: As a result, the approximate gas cost for this route would be around $143 (rounded to the nearest dollar).
  • Tolls: Similar to the direct route, there are no tolls along this route either.

3. The Efficient Route: Through I-77 and I-70

If time is of the essence and you're looking for the most efficient way to reach Wichita, taking I-77 S and then switching to I-70 W might be your best bet. This route offers a balance between distance and time, making it an optimal choice.

The total distance covered on this route amounts to approximately 1,130 miles, and the journey usually takes around 16.5 hours.

Here's the cost breakdown for this route:

  • Gas Price: With the average gas price at $2.75 per gallon and an average mileage of 24 miles per gallon, you would require approximately 47.1 gallons (rounded up to 48 gallons) of gas.
  • Gas Cost: This makes the estimated gas cost for this route approximately $132 (rounded to the nearest dollar).
  • Tolls: Luckily, you won't encounter any tolls along this route either.

Choosing Your Route: Factors to Consider

The decision of which route to take ultimately depends on various factors, such as your budget, available time, and your desire for sightseeing. While the direct route is the shortest, keep in mind that taking the scenic route offers aesthetic rewards and interesting stops along the way. The efficient route, on the other hand, provides a faster alternative without compromising too much on mileage.

In the end, it's important to choose a route that aligns with your preferences and travel goals. So, fuel up, plan your journey, and get ready to make beautiful memories as you drive from Charlotte to Wichita!

We hope this breakdown of the cost for each route based on current gas prices and tolls will contribute to a more pleasant and informed road trip experience. Safe travels!

*Please note that gas prices mentioned are based on current average prices and may vary depending on when you embark on your road trip. Tolls mentioned are accurate as of the time of writing this blog post.