The Cost of a Trip from Buffalo, NY to Chesapeake, VA: Navigating Gas Prices

Heading down from Buffalo, NY to Chesapeake, VA can be quite an adventure, spanning several states and different roads. The trip can be started from different directions, with each route taking a different amount of time and cost. If you're planning a trip any time soon, consider reading the following guide to get an estimate of the cost, time, and routes available.

Taking the Interstate 90

Interstate 90 is one of the most straightforward routes to take when driving from Buffalo, NY to Chesapeake, VA. The route takes you through major cities like Cleveland, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA, before landing in Virginia. The entire journey is around 670 miles and will take you approximately eleven hours on the road.

The first leg of the journey from Buffalo, NY, to Cleveland, OH, is usually the shortest, at around two and a half hours. During this stretch, you'll cover approximately 180 miles. Second, the drive from Cleveland, OH, to Pittsburgh, PA, is about two hours and ten minutes, spanning about 130 miles. Finally, you'll drive from Pittsburgh, PA, to Chesapeake, VA, which is approximately 364 miles and takes roughly six hours.

The cost of driving from Buffalo, NY, to Chesapeake, VA, using the Interstate 90 route is relatively reasonable, considering that it's a standard route with excellent road conditions. The cost of gas, of course, depends on the type of car you're driving, as well as the current gas prices. As of June 2021, gas costs around $3.05 per gallon on average, with prices varying depending on the state. To get a rough estimate, if you were to drive an average car with a 12-gallon tank and averaged 27 miles per gallon (mpg), you would need to fill up your tank around three times along the way. That would total around $109 for gas alone.

Taking the Interstate 81

Interstate 81 is an excellent alternative to take if you want to bypass major cities like Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The route is quicker than the previous option, spanning about 580 miles with an estimated nine and a half hours of driving.

The journey starts off by taking Interstate 90 East out of Buffalo, NY, and continuing on until Akron, NY, where you will exit the road onto a state highway. After that, follow the signs to Interstate 81 South. You'll drive through Pennsylvania, passing by Binghamton and Scranton before reaching Virginia's southern part. From there, it's a smooth drive to Chesapeake, VA, taking approximately five hours of driving.

This route is more cost-effective than taking Interstate 90, with gas expenses costing a bit less. Based on the same 27 mpg car and gas price, you would only need to fill up your tank once during this journey, costing you around $40.

Taking the Interstate 76

Interstate 76 is a less desirable route to take, as it costs more, takes more time, and involves more tolls. If you still want to take this route, it begins on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and ends in Winston Salem, NC. The first leg begins in Buffalo, NY, where you'll take Interstate 90 until Cleveland, OH. From there, follow the signs to Interstate 76 East towards Pittsburgh, PA.

The journey from Buffalo, NY, to Cleveland, OH, is approximately 180 miles, taking around three hours. The leg from Cleveland, OH, to Pittsburgh, PA, is about two and a half hours, spanning approximately 130 miles. From Pittsburgh, you'll drive on the Pennsylvania Turnpike into Maryland, where you'll merge onto Interstate 70, heading towards Baltimore. Then, you'll merge onto Interstate 68 towards Cumberland, MD. After some time, you'll cross into West Virginia before exiting on Interstate 81 S towards Bristol, TN. You'll drive past Roanoke, VA, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests before reaching Chesapeake, VA. The entire journey spans around 860 miles, taking approximately fifteen and a half hours of driving.

Unsurprisingly, the cost of driving this route is more than the others, as tolls and gas expenses add up quickly. It's estimated that the total cost of gas for a car with a 12-gallon tank averaging 27 mpg would be around $174. This is assuming you don't get off on any side roads or attractions that could increase this price.

Choosing the Best Route

If you're looking for a route that offers the quickest and cost-effective drive, it's recommended that you take Interstate 81. Not only does it save you money, but it's also a bit quicker in terms of time spent on the road.

However, if you have some free time on your hands and want to indulge in a more scenic route, taking Interstate 90 might be your best option. This route takes you near beaches, national parks, and other attractions that may pique your interest. Just remember, it does cost a bit more than the traditional route.

Conclusion

In the end, driving from Buffalo, NY, to Chesapeake, VA, does not have to be a hassle. It's essential to keep in mind which route offers the best balance of time, money, and convenience. Using this guide as a reference, you'll enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey down the east coast and back.