The Cost of a Trip Between Buffalo, New York and Cleveland, Tennessee Based on Current Gas Prices
Introduction
Planning a trip from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Tennessee? One of the first things to consider is the cost of transportation. With fluctuating gas prices, it's essential to estimate the expenses accurately. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each. By the end, you'll have a clear recommendation for the best route to take.
Route 1: I-90 East and I-79 South
The most straightforward and commonly chosen route from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Tennessee is via I-90 East and I-79 South. Although it might not be the shortest distance, it is well-maintained and offers various amenities along the way.
Distance
The total distance on this route is approximately 678 miles. The journey begins in Buffalo and continues through Pennsylvania and Ohio before arriving in Cleveland.
Gas Cost Calculation
To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we must consider current gas prices and the average fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As of August 2021, the average gas price in the United States is around $3.13 per gallon. If your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the gas cost for the entire trip would be:
Total Miles ÷ Fuel Efficiency × Gas Price per Gallon = Gas Cost
In this case: 678 miles ÷ 25 mpg × $3.13/gallon ≈ $85.87
At this rate, the estimated gas cost for Route 1 is approximately $85.87.
Route 2: I-79 South and I-68 West
An alternative route between Buffalo, New York and Cleveland, Tennessee is via I-79 South and I-68 West. This route may be preferable for those seeking a slightly shorter journey with scenic views along the way.
Distance
The total distance on this route is approximately 614 miles. Starting from Buffalo, it takes you through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia before reaching Cleveland.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency assumptions as before, we can calculate the gas cost for Route 2:
614 miles ÷ 25 mpg × $3.13/gallon ≈ $77.39
Therefore, the estimated gas cost for Route 2 is around $77.39.
Route 3: I-86 West and I-90 West
If you're looking for a more adventurous route, consider taking I-86 West and I-90 West. This option adds a bit more distance to the journey, but it allows you to explore parts of New York and Pennsylvania that you might not have seen before.
Distance
The total distance on this route is approximately 714 miles. Starting in Buffalo, it passes through New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio before reaching Cleveland.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency assumptions, we can calculate the gas cost for Route 3:
714 miles ÷ 25 mpg × $3.13/gallon ≈ $89.51
The estimated gas cost for Route 3 amounts to approximately $89.51.
Recommendations: The Best Route
Now that we have explored the three different routes, it's time to determine the best option based on the cost and distance. Let's take a quick look at the summarized information:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Gas Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 678 | 85.87 |
| 2 | 614 | 77.39 |
| 3 | 714 | 89.51 |
Considering both the distance and the gas cost, Route 2 seems to be the most favorable option. It offers a slightly shorter journey with a lower estimated gas cost compared to the other routes. Additionally, the scenic views while passing through Maryland and West Virginia make it an appealing choice for nature enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended route from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Tennessee is Route 2 via I-79 South and I-68 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 614 miles and has an estimated gas cost of around $77.39, based on current gas prices. Keep in mind that the suggested journey time may vary depending on traffic conditions and individual driving preferences. Safe travels!