Gas Prices Along Interstate 81

Updated April 5, 2026 — Prices updated regularly from EIA data

Route • 6 states

About Interstate 81

Spanning 855 miles from Dandridge, TN to the Canadian border in New York, I-81 runs along the Appalachian spine. Tennessee and Virginia offer very competitive fuel prices, while New York prices are notably higher.

Avg. Price Along Route
$3.18
Est. Trip Fuel Cost
$127
Price Range
$2.82–$3.48

Gas Prices at Each Stop

Fueling Tips for Interstate 81

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Frequently Asked Questions

Interstate 81 passes through or near major cities where competitive fuel markets and warehouse clubs offer the best prices. Look for Costco, Sam's Club, or high-volume discount stations in each major metro along your route.
A 2-mile detour to save 20 cents per gallon on a 15-gallon fill-up saves $3. With a car getting 28 MPG, the detour uses 0.14 gallons. Detours above 3-4 miles for savings under 20 cents per gallon are generally not worthwhile.
The cheapest gas along Interstate 81 is generally found in Tennessee, where lower fuel taxes and proximity to refineries or pipelines keep prices down. Avoid fueling at highway-exit stations in Pennsylvania, where tourist premiums push prices 15-25 cents above the best nearby rates.
For a trip along Interstate 81, a vehicle averaging 25 MPG would use approximately 1 gallon per 25 miles. At current average prices along the route, budget approximately {perMileCost} cents per mile for fuel. Plan fill-ups in lower-price states whenever possible.
Yes — consistently. Highway-exit gas stations charge 10-25 cents more per gallon than stations just 1-2 miles off the interstate. Whenever possible, exit the highway and drive to a commercial area for competitively priced fuel.

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