The Cost of a Trip Between Basildon and Holton Heath: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Looking to travel between Basildon and Holton Heath? As with any travel, there's a cost to consider. With fluctuating gas prices, it can be difficult to determine how much you'll spend on fuel. This guide is here to help.

Route Options

There are several routes you can take between Basildon and Holton Heath, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Route 1: A13 and A130

This route runs south-west from Basildon towards the M25, before turning off and heading south towards the A127. You then take the A130 and continue south-west until you reach Holton Heath. The total distance is approximately 145 miles, and you'll pass through towns like Chelmsford and Braintree.

One big advantage of this route is that it's largely motorway or dual carriageway, which means you'll be able to travel at a faster pace. However, there are a few tolls on the way - notably the Dartford Crossing, which will set you back £2.50 each way.

Route 2: A127 and A130

This route runs south-west from Basildon along the A127, before joining the A130 and heading south-west to Holton Heath. The total distance is slightly shorter than Route 1 at around 128 miles.

This route is all dual carriageway or motorway, but it doesn't pass through as many significant towns along the way as Route 1. However, there are no tolls to worry about.

Route 3: A130 and A120

This route runs south-west from Basildon on the A130, turning west on the A120 towards Bishop's Stortford, before heading south-west and joining the M11. You'll then pass through Cambridge and join the A14, which runs south-west to Huntingdon and then south to Bedford. From there, you'll take the A421 to join the M1 before heading south-west on the A43 and then south on the A34 towards Holton Heath. The total distance is around 215 miles.

This route is by far the longest, and it passes through a number of significant towns and cities along the way. However, it's a primarily motorway or dual carriageway route, which means you'll be able to travel at a decent speed. There are no tolls to worry about either.

Cost Analysis

So, how much will each of these routes cost you in terms of fuel?

According to the UK government's official fuel calculator, a car that does 30 miles per gallon (mpg) will require around 32 litres of petrol to travel 145 miles (Route 1) one way. With petrol prices currently averaging at around 135p per litre, this would cost you around £43.20 in fuel for a one-way trip.

For Route 2, the distance is around 128 miles, so you'd need around 29 litres of petrol for a car that does 30mpg. This would cost you around £39.15.

Finally, for Route 3, the distance is around 215 miles, so you'd need around 52 litres of petrol for a car that does 30mpg. This would cost you around £70.20.

Recommended Route

Based on the above analysis, Route 2 is by far the cheapest and shortest option available. While you could save time by taking one of the longer routes, the extra distance means you'll spend significantly more on fuel. Plus, there are no tolls to worry about.

If you do need to take Route 1 or Route 3, factor in the extra cost of tolls and petrol before making a decision.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of your trip between Basildon and Holton Heath will depend on the route you take and the type of car you're driving. Generally, it's better to take the shortest and cheapest route unless you have a specific reason to take a longer one.

For most travellers, Route 2 is likely the best choice. It's a quick and easy route that won't break the bank. Whether you're travelling for work or leisure, by using this guide you can plan your trip with confidence knowing the likely cost and best route.