The Cost of a Trip Between Aberdeen Township, New Jersey and Spotswood, New Jersey

---

Introduction

When planning a trip between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood in New Jersey, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of transportation. With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it is important to assess the various routes available, their distances, and how they impact the overall cost of the trip. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood, highlighting the costs associated with each option. By the end, we will provide a recommendation for the best route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Taking the Direct Route

The most straightforward and direct route between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood is via Route 34 and Route 18. This route covers a distance of approximately 19 miles each way, making it a total of 38 miles for a round trip.

To estimate the cost of this route, we'll assume an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), which is reasonable for most cars. Furthermore, we'll consider the current average gas price in New Jersey, which as of September 2021 is around $3.15 per gallon¹. Given these figures, we can calculate the cost as follows:

Cost = (Distance / Mileage) * Gas Price

Applying this formula to Route 1, we find:

Cost = (38 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.15 per gallon = $4.75 (rounded to the nearest cent)

Therefore, the cost of a round trip between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood via the direct route would be approximately $4.75.

Route 2: Considering the Scenic Route

For those who prefer a more picturesque drive, taking the scenic route via County Road 516 and Route 18 may be a viable option. While this route covers a slightly longer distance compared to Route 1, it offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of New Jersey.

The distance between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood using this route is approximately 23 miles each way, resulting in a round trip distance of 46 miles. Applying the same formula as before, and assuming the same vehicle fuel efficiency and gas price, we can determine the cost:

Cost = (46 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.15 per gallon = $5.59 (rounded to the nearest cent)

Hence, the cost of a round trip via the scenic route would be approximately $5.59.

Route 3: Exploring the Highway Route

Another alternative to consider is taking the highway route, which involves using the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. While this route may provide faster travel times due to the higher speed limits on the highways, it is essential to assess its cost as well.

To determine the distance for this route, we consider taking the Garden State Parkway South to Exit 120 and then hopping onto the New Jersey Turnpike North, finally exiting at Interchange 8A. The total distance comes out to approximately 22 miles for a one-way trip, thus making it a total of 44 miles for a round trip.

Applying the same formula for cost estimation, we find:

Cost = (44 miles / 25 mpg) * $3.15 per gallon = $5.34 (rounded to the nearest cent)

Therefore, the cost of a round trip via the highway route amounts to approximately $5.34.

Recommendation: Choosing the Best Route

After assessing the different routes and their respective costs, it is evident that the direct route (Route 1) offers the most economical option. With a round trip cost of approximately $4.75, it provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on efficiency or time.

While the scenic route (Route 2) offers a more visually appealing drive, it comes at a slightly higher cost of $5.59. Therefore, unless the desire for scenic beauty outweighs the cost consideration, Route 2 may not be the most economical choice for this trip.

Similarly, the highway route (Route 3) falls in between, with a cost of $5.34. Though it may be appealing for those seeking faster travel times, the marginal benefit in terms of time saved does not justify the increase in cost when compared to the direct route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, considering the cost of a trip between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood is essential when planning your journey. By analyzing the various routes available and factoring in the current gas prices, we discovered that the direct route (Route 1) offered the most cost-effective option, with a round trip cost of approximately $4.75.

While the scenic route (Route 2) and the highway route (Route 3) may have their appeal, the higher costs associated with these routes may dissuade budget-conscious travelers. Therefore, based on current gas prices and cost considerations, we recommend choosing the direct route for the most economical and efficient journey between Aberdeen Township and Spotswood.

Disclaimer: The calculated costs in this article are based on estimated distances, average vehicle fuel efficiency, and gas prices at the time of writing. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as vehicle type, driving habits, and fluctuations in gas prices.