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Are you planning a trip to Florida? Do you think, should I drive my car to Florida, instead of shipping it?

A drive to Florida may seem fun, yet there are many hidden expenses to take into account. Consider fuel costs, lodging, food, and potential breakdowns. In this article, we dive into the cost to drive to Florida. We then compare it to the cost of shipping your car with Nationwide Auto Transportation.

We guide you through the process of choosing the best fit for you. Explore distances between states. Weigh up the pros and cons of each option.

So buckle up and get ready to uncover the true cost of driving to Florida.


The Cost of Driving vs. Shipping Your Car to Florida | A Comprehensive Comparison

What are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping your vehicle to Florida from states like Rhode Island and Maine? While a drive can be a fun and memorable experience, it’s important to consider all the costs associated with it. This includes everything from fuel to food to repairs, before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost to drive to Florida from each of these states. Thereafter we compare these to the cost of shipping your car with Nationwide Auto Transportation. But first, do you know how to budget for a drive to Florida?


Choose Nationwide Over Train for Your Car Shipping

Ready to explore alternatives to the car train to Florida? Check out our article for insights on seamless, flexible car shipping options that might just be a better fit for your needs. With Nationwide Auto Transportation, discover a service that adapts to your schedule, providing safe, efficient, and personalized vehicle transport every step of the way. Read our full guide here and see why so many travelers opt for our trusted services over traditional train transport.


This is How to Budget for a Drive to Florida

A Drive to Florida might sound like a fantastic idea. But when last did you have a road trip with the family? Fuel prices have never been higher, and the roads are not great. If you are determined to drive to Florida, read on. Here are some tips for how to budget for a drive to Florida.

Gas and Fuel

Fuel prices can vary greatly depending on where you fill up. So, be sure to plan your route and factor in the cost of fuel. A good rule of thumb is to budget $50 to $75 per day for gas.


Food and Snacks

You’ll need to budget for meals and snacks along the way. Consider packing a cooler with snacks, drinks, and a simple lunch to save money on eating out. A budget of $15 to $20 per day for food is reasonable.


Lodging

If you plan to stay overnight along the way, be sure to budget for a hotel or Airbnb. Keep in mind that hotel prices vary greatly depending on location, so be prepared for costs to increase in cities or tourist areas. A budget of $80 to $150 per night is reasonable.


Attractions

If you plan to visit any attractions along the way, be sure to factor in the cost. Consider admission, parking, and any other expenses when you drive cars to Florida.


Drive to Florida | Car Maintenance

Don’t forget to budget for any unexpected car maintenance issues, such as a flat tire or unexpected repairs. A good rule of thumb is to set aside $100 to $200 for unexpected expenses.

Remember, these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of your trip will depend on many factors. These include the cost of fuel, food, and accommodations in each location. It’s always a good idea to set aside a little extra money for unexpected expenses.

There is a way though to set aside all these costs! Auto shipping takes away the need for any driving. This adds value to your car, and years to your life. To find out how you can ship your car to Florida, contact a Nationwide Auto Transportation consultant right now.

Read on to learn more about how much it costs to drive cars to Florida.

Drive Snowbird Cars To Florida | Rhode Island

Snowbirds flock to Florida from all across the country. This includes Rhode Island. The route from Rhode Island to Florida is a long journey that takes you through several states on the east coast of the United States. The drive starts in Rhode Island and takes you through:

  • Connecticut
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • and finally Florida.

The route when you drive to Florida is filled with scenic beauty. You drive through charming small towns, rolling hills, and beautiful coastal areas. Additionally, there are several interesting and fun places to stop along the way. Included are historical sites, museums, and parks which make this drive a great adventure for those who enjoy road trips.

Budgeting for a Drive to Florida from Rhode Island

The cost of a trip in a 2018 Ford F150 from Rhode Island to Florida would depend on several factors. Included are fuel efficiency, fuel prices, and distance covered. On average, a 2018 Ford F150 gets 19 miles per gallon and has a fuel tank capacity of 36 gallons.

To travel from Rhode Island to Florida, you would need approximately 60 gallons of fuel. This costs around $210 at $3.50 per gallon.

Interesting Places along the drive to Florida

  • Mystic Seaport Museum (mysticseaport.org). This maritime museum in Mystic, Connecticut, features a collection of historic ships, exhibits, and educational programs.
  • Cape May, New Jersey (capemay.com). Cape May is a historic coastal town in New Jersey known for its Victorian architecture, beaches, and whale watching tours.
  • Savannah, Georgia (visitsavannah.com). Savannah is a beautiful city in Georgia known for its historic district, parks, and museums.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation driving cars to Florida, depends on the type of accommodation, location, and time of year. On average, a budget hotel in the US costs around $100 per night. Yet, this could vary greatly depending on the location and time of year.

Length of trip

The distance from Rhode Island to Florida is approximately 1600 miles. So, if you average 400 miles per day, the drive to Florida would take 4 days.

Cost of food

The cost of food varies according to the type of food, location, and the number of people on the trip. On average, a budget meal in the US costs around $10. However, this could vary greatly depending on the location and the type of food. Over 4 days, the cost of food could be approximately $160 for one person.

Breakdown of Car Shipping Costs to Florida

Open Car Shipping

Open car shipping is the most cost-effective option and is suitable for vehicles that are not as valuable or rare. The cost of open car shipping from Rhode Island to Florida is approximately $1000 to $1,600.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Enclosed car shipping provides extra protection for your vehicle during transportation and is ideal for high-value, rare, or luxury vehicles. The cost of enclosed car shipping from Rhode Island to Florida is approximately $1,600 to $2, 200.

enclosed transport

In conclusion, shipping your car with Nationwide Auto Transportation can save you time and money compared to driving from Rhode Island to Florida. Whether you choose open or enclosed car shipping, you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle will arrive safely and on time. To get an exact quote, click the button below!

Massachusetts

The route from Massachusetts to Florida takes drivers down the East Coast of the United States, passing through a variety of cities and landscapes.

Starting in Massachusetts, the route heads south through:

  • Connecticut
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Delaware

From there, drivers continue down through Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and finally into Florida. This drive offers a chance to experience the diverse cultures and geography of the eastern United States. Experience everything from bustling cities to pristine beaches, and historic landmarks to natural wonders.

Budgeting for a Drive from Massachusetts 

Driving a 2018 Ford F150, the cost of gas for a trip from Massachusetts to Florida would be approximately $400 to $450. This is with a fuel efficiency of 20 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $3.50. This cost does not include other expenses such as meals, accommodation, and potential roadside emergencies.

Interesting Places along the way

  • St. Augustine, FL. As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine offers a unique blend of Spanish colonial history and modern charm.
  • Six Flags Great Adventure ), Jackson, New Jersey
  • World Golf Hall of Fame (https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/), St. Augustine, Florida
  • Accommodation

The cost of accommodation would depend on the type of lodging you choose. Budget for around $100 to $150 per night for a mid-range hotel to be safe.

  • Length of trip

The trip from Massachusetts to Florida is around 1,150 miles. Driving 400 miles a day, it would take around 3 to 4 days to drive.

  • Cost of food

Food expenses will also depend on your personal preferences, but you can expect to spend around $25 to $50 per day for meals. If you plan to eat at restaurants, this cost could be higher.

Breakdown of Car Shipping Costs from Massachusetts

Open Car Shipping

The cost of open car shipping from Massachusetts to Florida is approximately $1100 to $1,650.

luxury auto shipping

Enclosed Car Shipping

For enclosed car shipping from Massachusetts to Florida, add $810 to the normal shipping price.

Ship your car with Nationwide Auto Transportation for a budget-friendly option. Rest assured that your vehicle will be transported safely and securely. Without any of the costs or stress associated with driving. To get an exact quote, click the button below! 

Michigan Snowbirds Love Florida

The route from Michigan to Florida is a popular one for snowbirds. The reason is that many travelers seek to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest for the sunny beaches of the South.

The drive from Michigan to Florida is approximately 1,200 miles and can take anywhere from 12 to 16 hours, depending on the speed of travel and any stops along the way. The drive will take you through several states, including:

  • Ohio
  • Kentucky
  • Tennessee
  • Georgia

The route is well-maintained and offers scenic views along the way. This makes it a popular option for road trippers who explore the country by car.

Budgeting for a Drive from Michigan

If you’re driving a 2018 Ford F150 from Michigan to Florida, here’s what you can expect in terms of cost.

Fuel Cost

Based on the current gas price of $3.50, the Ford F150 will likely use around 60 gallons of fuel to make the trip from Michigan to Florida. With an estimated fuel cost of $210 ($3.50 x 60 gallons), fuel will likely be one of the biggest expenses on your trip.

Accommodation Cost

This depends on where you choose to stay and what type of accommodation you prefer. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per night on lodging. If you choose to camp or stay in budget-friendly hotels, you can likely keep your accommodation costs low.

Food Cost

How much you eat out, and what type of restaurants you frequent, impacts your dollar spend. Expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $50 per day on food. If you choose to eat at fast food restaurants, your food costs will likely be on the lower end of the spectrum. If you prefer to dine at sit-down restaurants, your food costs will be higher.

Trip Time

If you average 400 miles a day, the 1, 100 mile trip from Michigan to Florida will take approximately 2-3 days. However this depends on your route and how many stops you make.

If your car is in need of car maintenance, you also face the risk of breakdowns.

Places of Interest

While driving from Michigan to Florida, you can enjoy several interesting or fun places along the way. Here are three places to consider.

  • The Henry Ford Museum (https://www.thehenryford.org/). A museum dedicated to American innovation and ingenuity located in Dearborn, Michigan.
  • The National Museum of the United States Air Force (https://www.afmuseum.com/). The world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum located in Dayton, Ohio.
  • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm). A national park located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Here is a handy gas calculator that will help you stick to the ‘ship my car to Florida’ budget.

Breakdown of Car Shipping Costs from Michigan

If you’re planning on moving your vehicle from Michigan to Florida, you might be considering shipping your car instead of driving. Here is a breakdown of car shipping costs to help you decide.

Open Car Shipping

Average cost is between $1200 to $2,200, depending on various factors.

Pros: Cheaper option and can carry multiple vehicles at once

Cons: Cars are not protected from weather and road debris

Enclosed Car Shipping

For enclosed car shipping from Flint, Michigan to Jacksonville, Florida, add $809 to the normal shipping price.

You need to ship car from Michigan to Florida? Call Nationwide Auto Transportation for a budget-friendly option. To get an exact quote, click the button below!

Budgeting for a Drive from Maine

The route from Maine to Florida spans approximately 1,500 miles and takes drivers through a variety of scenic landscapes, including forests, rolling hills, and coastal plains.

Your journey begins in the Northeastern United States and travels south through New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Next you pass through states such as New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Georgia. 

Along the way, travelers will encounter a number of charming towns, bustling cities, and natural attractions. When you are in search of history, adventure, or relaxation, the drive from Maine to Florida offers a wealth of experiences to be discovered.

Fuel Cost

Driving a 2018 Ford F150 from Maine to Florida, the estimated fuel cost would be approximately $400 – $450. This assumes an average fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon and a total distance of around 1,500 miles.

Can you guess which cars made it to the top 10 fuel efficient cars list in 2023?

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation varies depending on personal preference and budget. However, the average cost per night for a hotel room in the US is around $100 to $200.

Time

At an average of 400 miles per day, the total drive from Maine to Florida would take approximately 3 to 4 days.

Food

The cost of food during the trip depends on personal preference and eating habits, but on average, one could expect to spend around $40 to $60 per day for three meals.

Places of Interest

  • Acadia National Park, Maine: https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
  • The Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Vermont: https://www.benjerry.com/
  • The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, New York: https://baseballhall.org/

Breakdown of Car Shipping Costs from Maine

Do you need car transport Maine to Florida? The cost of shipping a car from Maine to Florida depends on the shipping method and the size of the car. Yet, one can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for open transport and $1,200 to $2,700 for enclosed transport.

I Want to Ship My Car to Florida

In conclusion, driving cars to Florida can be a fun and memorable experience, but it also comes with many hidden costs. So, what is important when you look at how much will it cost to drive to Florida? Add costs like fuel expenses, lodging, food, and potential breakdowns. It’s essential to take these into consideration before making a decision on how to get to Florida.

On the other hand, shipping your car with a professional auto transportation company like Nationwide Auto Transportation can be a more cost-effective and stress-free option. Ship your car to save on fuel costs and avoid wear and tear on your vehicle. Following this, enjoy a more relaxed trip without having to worry about unexpected expenses.

Whether you choose to drive or ship your car, have a safe and enjoyable trip to The Sunshine State.

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