Driving Cost from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Annandale, Virginia

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The Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia with Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia can be quite overwhelming. While there are several route options available, some suitable for those looking for a quick journey others perfect for those who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. Ultimately, the cost of your trip will depend on the route you choose, your mode of transportation, accommodation and meals. In this article, we'll explore some of the route options, their costs, and factors to keep in mind.

Route Options

There are three primary driving routes that you can take when making a trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia. These include:

Option 1: I-95 S

Taking the I-95 S route is the quickest and most preferred route to get to Annandale, Virginia, from Cambridge, Massachusetts. The distance between the two locations is roughly 445 miles, and the estimated driving time is approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes.

Option 2: I-91 S and I-95 S

The I-91 and I-95 route is a bit longer, with a total distance of approximately 465 miles between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia. However, this route typically avoids traffic congestion in major cities such as New York City, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid traffic. The estimated driving time is roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes, making it slightly longer than the I-95 S route.

Option 3: I-81 S and I-66 E

The I-81 S and I-66 E route is the longest among the three routes. It covers approximately 500 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 8 hours and 30 minutes. This route is suitable for travelers who want to explore scenic places and enjoy the journey rather than solely focusing on getting to their destination.

Cost of Driving

The total cost of driving between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of car, gas prices, and how often you make stops to refuel along the way.

Gas Prices

As of August 2021, the average price of gas in Massachusetts was $3.15 per gallon, and in Virginia, it was $2.87 per gallon. This means that the cost of gas for the trip depends on the amount of gas your car will use to cover the distance.

Assuming an average gas consumption of 25 miles-per-gallon (mpg) and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the total estimated gas cost for each route option would be:

  • Option 1 (I-95 S): $63.00
  • Option 2 (I-91 S and I-95 S): $66.60
  • Option 3 (I-81 S and I-66 E): $72.00

These estimates only take into account the cost of gas and not other expenses, such as food, drinks, accommodation, and toll fees.

Other Expenses

Other expenses will depend on your travel preferences and needs; however, it's worth planning and budgeting for them before you embark on your journey. Here's a rough estimate of the expenses you might encounter:

  • Accommodation: Depending on where you choose to stay, a night in a hotel can cost between $100 and $300.
  • Food: The cost of food per person per day ranges from $10 to $50, depending on where you choose to eat.
  • Tolls: There are several toll roads along the routes, which can cost between $10 and $30 per toll.

Which Route is the Best?

Ultimately, the choice of the best route will depend on your travel preferences and budget. However, if time is of the essence, then the I-95 S route is the best option as it's the shortest and the fastest route to get to Annandale, Virginia from Cambridge, Massachusetts.

However, suppose you're not in a hurry and want to enjoy the journey and explore some scenic towns and places along the way. In that case, the I-81 S and I-66 E route is the best option.

Conclusion

A trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Annandale, Virginia can cost anywhere between $150 to $500, depending on the mode of transportation, accommodation, meals, and other expenses. Choosing the right route and mode of transportation, budgeting for expenses, and planning activities along the way can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Traveling about 445 miles from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Annandale, Virginia will take about 7 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the route you choose.