The Cost of a Trip between Belmar, New Jersey and New York, New York

Are you planning a trip from Belmar, New Jersey, to New York, New York, and wondering about the transportation costs? If you're driving, gas prices could affect your budget. In this article, we'll discuss the different routes you can take, the distance, the cost, and recommend the best route based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: Garden State Parkway and Lincoln Tunnel

If you're traveling by car, the most common route you can take is through the Garden State Parkway and the Lincoln Tunnel. From Belmar, take Route 35 north and merge into the Parkway North. Follow Parkway North until you reach Exit 165 for the Lincoln Tunnel.

The total distance covered is approximately 66 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 35 minutes depending on traffic.

Now let's talk about the gas cost of this route. The Garden State Parkway is a toll road, and the cost for passenger vehicles is $1.50 at each toll plaza. You'll pass through two toll plazas, totaling $3.00. Once you enter the Lincoln Tunnel, the toll cost is $16.00 for cars during peak hours, and $13.00 during off-peak times. The tunnel fee is collected one way, so expect to pay $16 or $13, depending on the time of day, when entering New York. To exit New York, there's no toll fee.

Let's calculate the total gas cost based on gas prices. According to AAA's Gas Prices website, as of March 4, 2021, the average gas price in New Jersey is $2.72 per gallon. Let's assume that your car has a 15-gallon fuel tank capacity, and your car's average gas mileage is around 30 miles per gallon.

For this route's total distance of 66 miles, you'll need approximately 2.2 gallons of gas. Multiply 2.2 gallons by $2.72 per gallon for a total gas cost of $5.98. Add the toll fees of $3.00 + $16.00, and you'll have a total cost of $24.98 if you travel during peak hours. During off-peak hours, the total cost would be $21.98.

Route 2: Interstate 195 and Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge

Another route you can take is via the I-195 and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. From Belmar, take Route 35 north, then take I-195 West towards Trenton. Merge into I-295 North towards Philadelphia, then merge into I-95 North towards New York. Take the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge exit towards I-278 West. Merge onto the bridge, and you'll enter New York via Staten Island.

The total distance covered is approximately 83 miles, and the estimated travel time is around 2 hours depending on traffic.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a toll bridge, and the cost for passenger vehicles is $19.00 during peak hours and $13.00 during off-peak times. To exit New York, there's no toll fee.

If we calculate the gas cost based on gas prices, using the same assumptions of a 15-gallon fuel tank capacity and an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon, for this route's total distance of 83 miles, you'll need approximately 2.77 gallons of gas. Multiply 2.77 gallons by $2.72 per gallon, and the gas cost would be $7.54. Add the toll fee of $19.00 during peak hours or $13.00 during off-peak hours, and the total cost for this route would be $26.54 or $20.54, respectively.

Route 3: Asbury Park Ferry and Subway

If you prefer to avoid driving, you can take the Asbury Park to New York Ferry and the subway. From Belmar, drive for approximately 7 miles and reach the Asbury Park ferry terminal. The ferry ride takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the New York Terminal. From there, take the subway (Line 7) towards Flushing. Get off at the Times Square-42nd Street station, and you'll be in midtown Manhattan.

The Asbury Park to New York ferry costs $29.00 for adults each way. The subway fare is $2.75 per ride. The total cost for this route is $31.75 for one-way travel.

Recommendation

Based on the gas cost and distance, we recommend Route 1: Garden State Parkway and Lincoln Tunnel. While the route is shorter, the gas cost is more economical than Route 2. The Asbury Park Ferry might be an exciting option, but it's more expensive than driving and takes longer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Belmar, New Jersey, to New York, New York, depends on the travel route you take. Based on current gas prices, the Garden State Parkway and Lincoln Tunnel is the most economical option, with a total cost of $24.98 during peak hours and $21.98 during off-peak hours. The estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 35 minutes. However, always check for traffic updates and plan your trip accordingly. Safe travels!