The Cost of a Trip from Brookhaven to Lower Moreland: Navigating Gas Prices
Getting around Pennsylvania can be a costly proposition, especially with the constantly fluctuating prices of gas. If you're planning a trip between Brookhaven and Lower Moreland, you'll want to take the time to explore your options in terms of routes, gas prices, and overall costs. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your next trip.
Finding the Best Route
Before you can start calculating the cost of your trip, you'll need to know the distance and the best route to take. Google Maps provides several different options, including:
- Taking I-476 N and I-95 N for a total of 43.2 miles and an estimated travel time of 43 minutes
- Taking PA-352 N and I-95 N for a total of 43.5 miles and an estimated travel time of 50 minutes
- Taking PA-352 N, Darlington Rd, and County Line Rd for a total of 40.8 miles and an estimated travel time of 59 minutes
Each of these routes comes with its own set of pros and cons. The first route is the shortest and the fastest, but it involves tolls. The second route is slightly longer but avoids the tolls, while the third route is the longest but offers the most scenic views.
Calculating Gas Costs
Once you've settled on the route you want to take, it's time to start thinking about gas prices. Gasbuddy.com is a great tool to use for calculating fuel costs. As of September 2021, gas prices in Pennsylvania are averaging around $3.20 per gallon, which is slightly lower than the national average.
To calculate your gas costs, you'll need to estimate the number of miles per gallon your vehicle gets on the highway. For example, if your car gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway and you're taking the I-476 N and I-95 N route, you'll need to divide the distance of 43.2 miles by 25 to get 1.728 gallons of gas. At $3.20 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $5.54 on gas for this one-way trip.
Other Expenses to Consider
Gas isn’t the only expense associated with a road trip. Other expenses to consider include tolls, food, and lodging. Depending on the route you take, there may also be parking fees to factor in.
If you decide to take the I-476 N and I-95 N route and you have cash or an E-ZPass, you'll need to pay a $1.60 toll (as of September 2021). This toll is in place from the Mid-County Toll Plaza to the Delaware State line. If you take the PA-352 N and I-95 N route, you won't have to deal with any tolls.
Food and lodging expenses will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you plan ahead and pack a cooler full of snacks, you can save money on food. If you plan to stay overnight in Lower Moreland, you can expect to spend around $100 for a budget-friendly hotel room.
Making the Best Choice
To make the best choice for your trip, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of each route and factor in the various expenses. If you're in a hurry, the I-476 N and I-95 N route might be your best choice. If you want to avoid tolls, go with the PA-352 N and I-95 N route. And if you want to take a leisurely drive with scenic views, opt for the PA-352 N, Darlington Rd, and County Line Rd route.
In terms of gas prices alone, the difference between the shortest and longest route is roughly $.90. While this might not seem like much, it can add up if you're traveling frequently or over long distances.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your priorities and preferences. Consider your budget, time constraints, and route preferences, and choose accordingly.
Conclusion
Navigating the cost of a trip between Brookhaven and Lower Moreland can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and information, you can make an informed decision. By exploring different route options, calculating gas and other expenses, and considering your priorities, you can find the best route for your next trip. Whether you're looking for a quick drive or a scenic adventure, there's a route that will suit your needs. And with gas prices in Pennsylvania remaining relatively stable, you can hit the road with confidence knowing you've made the best choice for your budget.