The Cost of a Trip between Cape Charles, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling from Cape Charles, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland is a journey of approximately 185 miles, give or take a few depending on the route taken. The total travel time will vary, depending on traffic, road conditions, and pit stops, but it averages around 3 and a half hours.

The route one takes to travel between these two cities also depends on several factors: the time of day, the degree of congestion on the highways, and the cost of gas, which fluctuates often. Knowing how much a trip will cost before embarking on it is essential for many people, and this article will explore the different potential routes for anyone traveling between Cape Charles, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland while keeping gas prices in mind.

Exploring the Different Routes

Route 1: US-113 South and US-50 West

Those looking for the shortest distance from Cape Charles to Baltimore might consider taking US-113 south and then US-50 West. This route is approximately 175 miles and will take around 3 hours and 20 minutes. Keep in mind that this route will cross over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which has a toll fee of $18 for passenger vehicles.

For drivers with smaller cars that get better gas mileage, driving on US-113 and US-50 should cost around $30 round trip, considering gas prices of around $2.69 per gallon. Those driving larger vehicles that are not as fuel-efficient can expect to pay closer to $40 round trip.

Route 2: I-664 North and I-64 West

Another option for getting to Baltimore from Cape Charles is to take I-664 north and then I-64 West. This route is longer than US-113 and US-50, coming in at about 199 miles, but it doesn't charge a toll fee to cross the bridge and tunnel. The total travel time on this route is roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes, again depending on road conditions.

Using the same gas price of $2.69 per gallon, drivers with smaller vehicles can expect to pay around $34 round trip, while those with larger vehicles will likely pay approximately $45 round trip.

Route 3: Route 13 North and Route 301 North

For those looking for a scenic route, taking Route 13 North then Route 301 North is an option. This route is about 224 miles and will take over 4 hours to drive pure travel time. While there are no tolls on this route, drivers will need to factor in time for speed limits that can range from 35 mph to 55 mph. With that said, this route features many views, like NASA's Wallops Island launch facility.

Using the same gas price of $2.69 per gallon, drivers with smaller vehicles can expect to pay approximately $38 round trip, while those with larger vehicles will likely pay upwards of $50 round trip.

Route 4: Route 13 North to I-495 West

Another option for drivers is to take Route 13 North and merge onto I-495 West. This route is approximately 190 miles and should take around 3 and a half hours to complete. The I-495 road has some toll fees, and the cost of one-way travel ranges from $1.50-5.20, depending on entry point. Using the same gas price of $2.69 per gallon, drivers with smaller vehicles can expect to pay around $31, while those with larger vehicles should budget at least $41 for gas.

Recommending the Best Route

When considering the cost of gas and the time of travel, it's wise to go with the shortest route from Cape Charles, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland. The I-664 North and I-64 West route is the best option for those wanting to save time and avoid toll fees. While it may be a bit longer than the US-113 South and US-50 West route, it will save you money on tolls, and the extra miles traveled will likely be canceled out by the lack of traffic congestion and a calmer drive.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip from Cape Charles, Virginia, to Baltimore, Maryland is very much dependent on the route you take and gas prices for your mode of transportation. The most efficient route to take is via I-664 and I-64, especially for those who want to save time and money on tolls, has an estimated round trip cost of $34 to $45 depending on the vehicle. With this information in mind, travelers can budget appropriately and hit the road with confidence. The drive should take around 3 and a half hours and offer a wealth of scenic views along the way.