The Cost of a Trip between Cambridge and Guildford: Navigating Gas Prices
When embarking on a journey between Cambridge and Guildford, a lot of factors come into play. What is the most efficient route? How much gas will be needed? How much will it cost to fill up the tank? In the current economic climate, gas prices vary wildly, making such calculations even more complex. This article will explore the different possible routes between these two cities, highlight the costs and distances of each one, and ultimately recommend the most economical option.
Possible Routes
There are multiple routes between Cambridge and Guildford, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
Route 1: A1 and M25
The most direct route between the two cities is to simply take the A1 southbound through London and then connect to the M25. This route is about 97 miles long, and, depending on traffic, takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, the A1 and M25 are notoriously busy, meaning that the actual time taken could be significantly longer.
Route 2: A11 and M11
Another option is to take the A11 southbound until it converges with the M11, then follow the M11 down to London before joining the M25 towards Guildford. This route is approximately 99 miles long and takes about 2 hours. While maybe not the quickest option, this route avoids central London, potentially avoiding congestion charges, and could be more scenic than the direct A1/M25 route.
Route 3: A505 and M25
The A505 runs roughly parallel to the A1, but it is further east. This route involves taking the A505 westwards to connect with the M1, then southbound on the M1 before joining the M25 towards Guildford. This route is approximately 99 miles long and takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. However, it too passes through potentially busy areas and may fail to avoid traffic.
Cost Analysis
The cost of a trip is a combination of the cost of the fuel required and, where applicable, any tolls or congestion charges.
Route 1: A1 and M25
Assuming a car with an average fuel economy of 35mpg and a fuel price of 119.7p per litre (as of June 2021), this journey will require approximately £18.40 of petrol. There are no tolls or congestion charges on this route, so the total cost of the journey is £18.40.
Route 2: A11 and M11
Assuming the same fuel economy and fuel price as before, this journey will require around £18.74 of petrol. However, there is a London congestion charge of £15 per day (as of June 2021) for driving in certain parts of the city between 7 am and 10 pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. Depending on the time of day and days of travel, this could add significantly to the overall cost of the journey.
Route 3: A505 and M25
Again, with the same fuel economy and fuel cost, this journey will require approximately £18.74 of petrol. As with Route 1, there are no tolls or congestion charges along this route.
Conclusion
Of the three routes, it is clear that Route 1 is the most economically efficient. While it may be the longest in terms of time spent traveling, it is also the cheapest. Route 2, while potentially more scenic, involves the possibility of significant congestion charges which add to the cost. Route 3 is the same distance as Route 2 but does not avoid the busier spaces of London, meaning it could have unpredictable costs. Ultimately, the decision on which route to take depends on the individual's priorities - do they value speed or cost-effective travel?
In conclusion, traveling between Cambridge and Guildford is achievable and not too expensive when one is aware of the best route to take and the fluctuations in gas prices. By understanding how much money is required and which route to take, people can enjoy this journey with the peace of mind that they are doing so as efficiently as possible.