Driving Cost from Detroit, Michigan to Charlotte, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Detroit to Charlotte: Gauging Your Journey Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Detroit, Michigan to Charlotte, North Carolina? Great choice! This journey promises beautiful views and varied landscapes. But before you hit the road, you’ll want to keep an eye on the costs—starting with gas. Below, I’ll break down a couple of routes, highlighting the distance, time, and cost for each, including current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fastest Route via I-75 S and I-85 S

When you want to minimize travel time, this route is your best bet.

  • Distance: Approximately 600 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 9 hours
  • Current gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need roughly 24 gallons of gas, which totals $84 for fuel.

However, don’t forget about tolls along the way! You can expect to pay around $20 in tolls on this route.

So, the total cost for Route 1 adds up to approximately $104 for gas and tolls.

Route 2: Scenic Route via I-69 E and I-26 E

If you’re inclined to soak in the scenery, why not take the scenic route?

  • Distance: About 630 miles
  • Estimated Time: Close to 10 hours
  • With the same gas prices of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle maintaining 25 miles per gallon, you will require around 25 gallons of gas, totaling $87.50.

Though this route offers beautiful views, it includes fewer tolls, typically around $10 for the journey.

All in all, the total cost for Route 2 comes to approximately $97.50 for gas and tolls.

Comparison & Conclusion

To recap:

  • Route 1: 600 miles, 9 hours, $104 (gas + tolls)
  • Route 2: 630 miles, 10 hours, $97.50 (gas + tolls)

As you can see, the choice of route can impact both your travel time and your wallet. If you prefer to get to Charlotte quickly, Route 1 is the way to go, but if you’re looking to enjoy some lovely scenery and save a few bucks, consider Route 2.

Now that you’re armed with this information, get ready to enjoy your road trip while keeping costs manageable. Pack your snacks, queue up your favorite songs, and enjoy the great American roads! Safe travels!