The Cost of a Road Trip from Califon, New Jersey to Bentonville, Arkansas
If you're planning a road trip from Califon, New Jersey to Bentonville, Arkansas, the first thing you'll want to know is how much it's going to cost. There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a trip like this, including gas prices, the route you choose, and any tolls or other fees you may encounter along the way. Here, we'll break down all of the costs associated with this trip so you can plan accordingly.
Route Options
There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Califon to Bentonville, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the most popular options:
Route 1: I-95 South to I-85 South to I-20 West to I-49 South
Distance: Approximately 1,213 miles Estimated Total Travel Time: 18 hours, 30 minutes
This is the shortest route by mileage but has more tolls than the alternatives. You'd be traveling along the East Coast, down to Atlanta, Georgia, before finally heading west toward Arkansas. This route can take up to 18 and a half hours to complete.
Route 2: I-81 South to I-77 South to I-64 West to I-40 West to I-49 South
Distance: Approximately 1,286 miles Estimated Total Travel Time: 19 hours, 20 minutes
This route takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and has slightly more tolls than the first route. You'd be traveling down the East Coast, then cutting across to the Midwest before heading south toward Arkansas. This route can take up to 19 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
Route 3: I-70 West to I-44 West to I-49 South
Distance: Approximately 1,296 miles Estimated Total Travel Time: 19 hours, 30 minutes
This route is the longest by mileage but is the least stressful to travel. You'd be traveling through the Midwest and taking Southern Missouri to Arkansas. This route can take up to 19 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Gas Prices
As of August 2021, the national average gas price was around $3.15 per gallon. Of course, gas prices can vary greatly depending on where you are and when you're traveling. If you want to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of gas for your trip, you can use an online calculator such as GasBuddy or AAA.
To get a rough idea of how much you'll be spending on gas, we'll assume your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Using this assumption, here's a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on gas for each of the routes we've outlined:
Route 1: I-95 South to I-85 South to I-20 West to I-49 South
Total Miles: 1,213 miles Average Mileage: 25 mpg
Total Gallons Required: 48.52 Total Cost (at $3.15/gallon): $153.48
Route 2: I-81 South to I-77 South to I-64 West to I-40 West to I-49 South
Total Miles: 1,286 miles Average Mileage: 25 mpg
Total Gallons Required: 51.44 Total Cost (at $3.15/gallon): $162.20
Route 3: I-70 West to I-44 West to I-49 South
Total Miles: 1,296 miles Average Mileage: 25 mpg
Total Gallons Required: 51.84 Total Cost (at $3.15/gallon): $163.38
Other Costs
In addition to gas, there are a few other costs you should be aware of when planning your trip. These include tolls, food and lodging, and any activities or attractions you plan to visit along the way.
Tolls
If you take Route 1, you'll likely run into several tolls along the way, including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. The total cost of tolls on this route can vary, but you should plan to spend around $30 to $50 on tolls alone. Route 2 has a combination of free and toll roads.
Route 3 has the least tolls, but that may be offset by the increased time spent on the road and any additional costs (food and accommodation prices).
Food and Lodging
One of the biggest expenses on any road trip is food and lodging. Depending on your budget, you can spend as little as a few dollars a day on fast food and camping or upwards of a few hundred dollars on motels and sit-down restaurants.
If you're looking to save money, consider packing your own food, staying in budget hotels, or camping along the way. If you want to splurge a little, there are plenty of luxury hotels, unique dining experiences, and fun attractions to check out along the way.
Attractions
Finally, don't forget to budget for any activities or attractions you plan to visit. Depending on your interests, this could include museums, national parks, zoos, amusement parks, and more.
Expect to spend at least $50 to $100 per day on activities if you're trying to maximize your road trip experience.
The Best Route
Which route is the best for your trip? Ultimately, the decision will depend on your priorities and budget.
If you're looking to save money on gas and tolls, Route 3 is your best bet. However, keep in mind that this route is longer and may require more food and lodging expenses, so you won't necessarily save money overall.
If you're looking for a shorter route with fewer tolls and attractions, Route 1 could be a good choice. However, keep in mind that this route does have a higher toll charge.
Finally, if you're looking for the most scenic route with plenty of attractions to stop by along the way, Route 2 is your best choice. You'll pass by the Appalachian Mountains and state parks, plus several historic towns and cities.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to save money or maximize your road trip experience, there's a route that can work for you. Just be sure to budget for gas, tolls, food and lodging, and any attractions you want to visit, and you'll be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. As for the trip duration, the route you choose, and your driving speed, all of these factors will significantly affect the trip. Consider your preferences and tiredness level so that the trip will be memorable.