The Cost of a Road Trip between Buckingham and Edinburgh: Gas Prices and Route Options

If you're planning a road trip from Buckingham, England to the City of Edinburgh, Scotland, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. One of the most important factors to take into account is the cost of fuel, which can vary depending on a number of factors including location, time of year, and global market conditions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the cost of a road trip between Buckingham and Edinburgh, as well as the different route options available and which one is likely to be the most cost-effective.

Route 1: The A1

One of the most popular routes for those travelling from Buckingham to Edinburgh is the A1. This route takes you north out of Buckingham and through Newark-on-Trent and Grantham before merging with the A1(M) near Doncaster. From there, you'll pass through Darlington, Newcastle, and Berwick-upon-Tweed before finally arriving in Edinburgh.

The total distance for this route is approximately 330 miles, and according to current fuel prices, you can expect to spend around £57 on petrol for the journey (based on a fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon and a petrol price of 118 pence per litre).

Route 2: The M1 and M6

Another possible route is to take the M1 north towards Leeds, then connect with the M6 which will take you through Lancaster and Preston before eventually connecting with the M74 towards Glasgow. From there, you can either take the M8 towards Edinburgh or follow the quieter A702 route through the Scottish countryside.

This route is slightly longer than the A1, with a total distance of around 360 miles. However, because it avoids some of the busier roads and motorways, it can actually work out slightly cheaper in terms of fuel costs. Based on current petrol prices, you can expect to spend around £55 on petrol for the journey (based on a fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon and a petrol price of 118 pence per litre).

Route 3: The A5 and M6

For those looking for a slightly more scenic route, you might consider taking the A5 west out of Buckingham towards Shrewsbury, before connecting with the M54 towards Wolverhampton and the M6 towards Manchester. From there, you can either take the A7 towards Edinburgh or the M62 towards Leeds and then connect with the M1 and M8 to Edinburgh.

While this route is the longest of the three (with a total distance of around 400 miles), it does offer some stunning views of the Shropshire Hills and the Lake District. Fuel costs are also likely to be slightly higher, coming in at around £65 based on current petrol prices (assuming a fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon and a petrol price of 118 pence per litre).

The Most Cost-Effective Route

Of the three routes we've looked at, the A1 is likely to be the most cost-effective in terms of fuel costs. While it's not the shortest route, it is the most direct and avoids some of the busier roads and motorways that can be more expensive to travel on. It's also worth noting that while fuel costs are an important consideration, there are other factors that can impact the overall cost of a road trip, such as tolls, accommodation, and food expenses.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're planning a road trip from Buckingham to Edinburgh, you have a few different route options to choose from. While each route has its own advantages and disadvantages, the A1 is likely to be the most cost-effective in terms of fuel costs. However, it's worth taking other expenses into account when planning your trip and budgeting accordingly. With the right preparation and planning, a road trip from Buckingham to Edinburgh can be a memorable and enjoyable experience.