The Cost of a Road Trip between Camden, NJ and Arlington, VA: How Gas Prices Affect Your Journey

Traveling from Camden, New Jersey to Arlington, Virginia is a great way to discover the beauty of the eastern United States. This road trip can offer you the opportunity to visit charming towns, explore lovely countryside, and take in stunning views. But before you hit the road, it is important to plan your route and budget for gas expenses. This article will guide you through the possible routes and the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-95 South and I-495 West (MA-128)

The most direct and popular route to travel from Camden to Arlington is to take I-95 South and I-495 West (also known as MA-128) covering 253 miles. The journey should take around 4 hours and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions, but it is always good to plan an allowance for the increased congestion that happens during peak hours.

The current fuel price in New Jersey as of June 2021 is $3.10 per gallon, while in Virginia it is $2.91 per gallon. Assuming that your vehicle can achieve an average of 25 miles per gallon and a total fuel cost of around $110, which will vary depending on fuel prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

You should also keep in mind that some tolls may apply during this journey, namely the Delaware Memorial Bridge toll ($5) and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel toll ($4). Your total expenses for this route would be around $120, which includes gas and tolls.

Route 2: I-295 South, I-85 South, and I-95 South

Another possible route is to take I-295 South, I-85 South, and I-95 South, which covers 286 miles. This route adds an extra 30 miles to the journey compared to Route 1 and takes around 5 hours, but it can avoid some of the traffic and tolls associated with the more direct route.

The fuel price in New Jersey and Virginia will remain the same as with Route 1, and assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total fuel cost would be around $130, which includes gas for the entire journey.

While this route does not have any tolls and can help you bypass the bulk of traffic, it adds an extra 30 miles to your journey, extending the total travel time and fuel costs involved.

Route 3: I-95 South via Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.

The third and final route to consider is to take I-95 South via Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. This covers 322 miles, more than Route 1 and Route 2, but it gives a chance to add some cultural stops along the way and make the journey more enjoyable. This route can be particularly appealing for those who want to explore U.S. capital city before heading to Arlington.

The current gas prices in New Jersey and Virginia remain unchanged; however, there are some tolls charged on this route. The Delaware Memorial Bridge toll is applicable, and you may also encounter the following tolls: Pennsylvania Turnpike (exact fare toll of around $12), Fort McHenry Tunnel toll ($4), and Baltimore Harbor Tunnel toll ($4).

With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total fuel cost would be around $150, which includes gas for the entire journey. The total expenses for this route (including tolls) would be approximately $170.

Which Route is the Best?

Choosing the right route will depend on your priorities (whether you want to save on costs or time), individual preferences (the desire to explore areas of historical or cultural significance at leisure), or whether you are traveling with family or friends.

Route 1 is the most direct and fastest way to get from Camden to Arlington, but it has several tolls that may be costly for some budget travelers. Route 2 can be slower but saves you on tolls and potentially has less traffic than Route 1. Route 3 is the longest but offers the most cultural and historical attractions along the way.

Overall, Route 1 offers the best balance between cost and time, providing a direct route with easily predictable fuel expenses and congestion levels.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip from Camden, New Jersey, to Arlington, Virginia, varies depending on the route you choose. The three routes discussed in this article have different advantages and disadvantages, but Route 1 appears to be the best route in terms of travel time, fuel economy, and cost-effectiveness. This journey offers an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the eastern United States while enjoying the comfort of your vehicle. The total journey should take around 4 hours and 30 minutes, and costs are estimated to be around $120, factoring in gas and tolls.