The Cost of a Trip between Camden, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky
Are you planning on taking a trip from Camden, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky? If so, one of the primary considerations you will have is the cost of the trip. After all, nobody wants to spend more than necessary on their travels. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each, and recommend the best route for your trip.
Route Options
There are three main routes between Camden, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky:
- Interstate 70 (I-70) East to Interstate 71 (I-71) South
- I-70 West to Interstate 65 (I-65) South
- US-40 West to I-65 South
Each of these routes has its pros and cons, which we will discuss in the following sections.
Route 1: I-70 East to I-71 South
This route is the shortest one among the three at around 212 miles and will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete without traffic. However, when it comes to tolls, it can be the most expensive, mainly if you choose to go through the Indiana Toll Road. Here's a breakdown of the different tolls along the route:
- Indiana Toll Road: $9.70
- Louisville-Southern Indiana Toll Bridge: $4.10
That's a total of $13.80 in tolls for a one-way trip.
Route 2: I-70 West to I-65 South
This route is a little longer than Route 1 at around 246 miles and will take about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete without traffic. However, this route doesn't have any tolls to pay. For many travelers, this could be the deciding factor when choosing between the different routes.
Route 3: US-40 West to I-65 South
For those who want to take a scenic route rather than being on major highways all the time, this is the route to take. It is the longest among the three routes at around 279 miles, taking about 5 hours to complete without traffic. It doesn't have any tolls to pay and can provide a picturesque view of the countryside. However, expect to encounter traffic in some sections of this route.
Cost Comparison
Now that we have an overview of the different routes, let's compare their costs for a one-way trip. To perform this comparison, we used the US Department of Energy's fuel cost calculator to estimate the cost of gasoline in Ohio and Kentucky and the distance traveled for each route. We also assumed that an average car can achieve 25 miles per gallon (mpg) with regular unleaded gasoline, which is the US Environmental Protection Agency's estimate. Here are the results:
| Route | Distance | Fuel Cost | Tolls* | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-70 East to I-71 South | 212 miles | $27.20 | $13.80 | $41.00 |
| I-70 West to I-65 South | 246 miles | $31.68 | $0 | $31.68 |
| US-40 West to I-65 South | 279 miles | $35.84 | $0 | $35.84 |
- tolls are for one-way trip only
From the table above, it's easy to see that I-70 East to I-71 South is the most expensive route among the three, totaling $41.00 for a one-way trip, mainly because of tolls. If you don't mind the longer distance, taking I-70 West to I-65 South or US-40 West to I-65 South can save you money in gas and tolls.
Recommendation
While all three routes can get you from Camden, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky, we recommend taking Route 2: I-70 West to I-65 South. It is a good balance between distance, time, scenic views, traffic, tolls, and gas. With no tolls to pay and a total cost of $31.68 for a one-way trip, it is the most affordable choice. Plus, it's still relatively short, taking only about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete without traffic, allowing you to arrive quickly without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are three routes you can take when driving from Camden, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky. Each route has its upsides and downsides to consider, including distance, time, traffic, tolls, and gas. After comparing the cost of each option, Route 2: I-70 West to I-65 South is the best choice. It is the most affordable route, doesn't have any tolls, and still offers a reasonable driving distance and time. So, go ahead and hit the road, and enjoy a safe and delightful trip to Louisville!