Travelers Weigh Options as North Carolina Gas Prices Surge

With gas prices up nearly $1 per gallon, commuters are considering driving, taking the bus, or riding the train for their spring break and Easter weekend trips.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:19pm

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As gas prices in North Carolina climb to $3.84 per gallon, a 99-cent increase from last year, travelers are evaluating the pros and cons of driving, taking the bus, or riding the train for their upcoming spring break and Easter weekend trips. The choice largely depends on the destination, with driving still often the best option for trips to the coast, while trains can make more sense for travel to major cities like Charlotte. For longer solo trips, the bus may offer the best value.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in gas prices is impacting travel plans for many North Carolina residents, forcing them to weigh the costs and convenience of different transportation options. This story provides helpful guidance for consumers trying to navigate the most affordable and efficient way to get to their destinations during the busy spring travel season.

The details

North Carolina is seeing the ninth-fastest gas price jump in the country, with prices rising from $2.85 per gallon last year to $3.84 this year. For a trip from Raleigh to Wilmington, driving an SUV costs about $24.96 in gas and takes 2 hours, while a Greyhound bus costs $38.98 and takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, and an Amtrak train costs $80 and takes over 10.5 hours. However, for a trip to Charlotte, the Amtrak ride costs $31 and takes nearly the same time as driving, which costs $25 in gas. For longer solo trips, the bus may be the better value, with a FlixBus trip costing $76.98 compared to $96.60 in gas for driving.

  • Gas prices in North Carolina have risen from $2.85 per gallon last year to $3.84 this year (April 2026).
  • Spring break and Easter weekend are coming up in the next few weeks (April 2026).

The players

North Carolina

The state where gas prices have seen one of the sharpest increases in the country, up 99 cents per gallon from last year.

Raleigh

A city in North Carolina that is being used as a starting point for travel comparisons in the story.

Wilmington

A coastal city in North Carolina that is being used as a destination for travel comparisons in the story.

Charlotte

A major city in North Carolina that is being used as a destination for travel comparisons in the story.

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What’s next

As spring break and Easter weekend approach, North Carolina residents will need to carefully evaluate their transportation options and costs to determine the best way to reach their destinations.

The takeaway

The sharp rise in North Carolina gas prices is forcing travelers to weigh the pros and cons of driving, taking the bus, or riding the train for their upcoming spring trips. While driving may still be the best option for some destinations, trains and buses are becoming more competitive, especially for longer solo trips or travel to major cities.