Driving Cost from Cannock Chase, England to Portsmouth, England

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The Cost of a Trip Between Cannock Chase and Portsmouth: Gas Prices and Route Options

Are you planning a trip from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth, two popular destinations in England? Whether it's for work or leisure, it's important to estimate the costs of transportation, especially in terms of gasoline prices. With fluctuating fuel prices, the cost of driving can vary significantly depending on the route you choose. In this article, we'll explore the different ways to get from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth, their distances, and their costs based on the current gas prices. We'll also recommend the best route based on factors such as convenience, speed, and fuel efficiency.

Route Options and Distances

Before we delve into the costs of the different routes, it's useful to know the distances between Cannock Chase and Portsmouth via different roads. Here are the approximate distances in miles based on Google Maps data:

  • Via M1 and M25: 157 miles
  • Via A34 and M3: 156 miles
  • Via A43, M40, and M27: 160 miles
  • Via A34, M3, and M27: 159 miles

As you can see, the distances between Cannock Chase and Portsmouth are relatively similar, with the longest route being only 3 miles longer than the shortest. However, the driving time can vary significantly depending on traffic, speed limits, and road conditions.

Gas Prices in England

The cost of a trip also depends on the current gas prices in England, which can vary by region and time of year. As of November 2021, the average price per liter of unleaded petrol in England was 143.1 pence, according to the latest data from the UK government. This translates to approximately £5.44 per gallon or $7.23 per gallon based on the current exchange rate. Of course, gas prices can change daily or weekly, so it's important to keep an eye on the prices before embarking on a long trip.

Costs of Each Route

Now let's calculate the costs of each route based on their distances and the current gas prices. For simplicity, we'll assume that your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and that you'll need to refill your tank once during the trip. We'll also add a 10% margin for unexpected detours or slow traffic.

Via M1 and M25

This route involves taking the M6 motorway south from Cannock Chase, merging onto the M1 near Coventry, and then taking the M25 westbound and southbound towards Portsmouth.

  • Distance: 157 miles
  • Gas needed: 6.28 gallons
  • Gas cost: £34.10
  • Margin: £3.41
  • Total cost: £37.51

Via A34 and M3

This route follows the major A34 road from Cannock Chase through Oxfordshire and Berkshire, then merging onto the M3 motorway towards Portsmouth.

  • Distance: 156 miles
  • Gas needed: 6.24 gallons
  • Gas cost: £33.86
  • Margin: £3.39
  • Total cost: £37.25

Via A43, M40, and M27

This route heads south from Cannock Chase towards Banbury on the A43 road, then joining the M40 motorway and later the M27 towards Portsmouth.

  • Distance: 160 miles
  • Gas needed: 6.4 gallons
  • Gas cost: £34.75
  • Margin: £3.48
  • Total cost: £38.23

Via A34, M3, and M27

This route follows the A34 road from Cannock Chase to Winchester, then joining the M3 and M27 towards Portsmouth.

  • Distance: 159 miles
  • Gas needed: 6.36 gallons
  • Gas cost: £34.52
  • Margin: £3.45
  • Total cost: £37.97

As you can see, the costs of each route are quite similar, ranging from £37.25 to £38.23. However, if you're on a tight budget, every pound counts, and choosing the most fuel-efficient route can save you a few quid.

Based on factors such as distance, speed, and cost, we recommend the route via A34 and M3 as the best option for most travelers. Although it's only one mile shorter than the M1 and M25 route, it avoids the heavily congested M25 motorway, which can be a nightmare during peak hours. The A34 road is also wider, smoother, and more scenic than the M1, with less truck traffic. The M3 motorway is a relatively fast and well-maintained road that leads directly to Portsmouth, avoiding the need to navigate multiple towns and roundabouts. Finally, based on our calculations, this route is slightly cheaper than the others, saving you a few pennies for a cup of tea in Portsmouth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, estimating the cost of a trip between Cannock Chase and Portsmouth involves considering the different route options and the current gas prices. Although the distances between the routes are similar, their driving times and fuel costs can vary significantly. Based on our analysis, we recommend choosing the A34 and M3 route as the best compromise between speed, convenience, and cost. Of course, your actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and whether you stop at services or rest areas. However, by planning ahead and opting for the most efficient route, you can enjoy a pleasant and affordable trip from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth, whether for business or pleasure.