The Cost of a Trip Between Cape May, New Jersey, and Hummelstown, Pennsylvania
Are you planning a trip from Cape May, New Jersey, to Hummelstown, Pennsylvania? If so, it's essential to consider the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. The expense of a journey can vary based on the specific route taken, so it's wise to explore your options and select the most cost-effective route. In this article, we will discuss different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for your journey.
Route 1: Via the Atlantic City Expressway
The first potential route for your trip from Cape May to Hummelstown takes you via the Atlantic City Expressway. This route covers a distance of approximately 209 miles and offers a relatively straightforward drive through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania.
To estimate the cost of the trip, we'll consider the current gas prices in both states. As of [insert date here], the average gas price in New Jersey is $2.75 per gallon, while in Pennsylvania, it's slightly higher at $2.85 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the cost.
Cost calculation:
- Distance: 209 miles
- Average fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon
Total gallons needed: 209 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 8.36 gallons
For the first section of the trip within New Jersey (Cape May to the Atlantic City Expressway), you would need:
- Total gallons: 47.4 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.9 gallons
Gas cost in New Jersey: 1.9 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $5.23
For the remaining distance within Pennsylvania (Atlantic City Expressway to Hummelstown), you would need:
- Total gallons: 161.6 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 6.46 gallons
Gas cost in Pennsylvania: 6.46 gallons * $2.85 per gallon = $18.42
Total cost for Route 1: $5.23 (New Jersey section) + $18.42 (Pennsylvania section) = $23.65
Route 2: Via the Garden State Parkway and Pennsylvania Turnpike
Another possible route for your journey between Cape May and Hummelstown involves taking the Garden State Parkway and Pennsylvania Turnpike. This route covers a slightly longer distance of approximately 241 miles but may provide scenic views along the way.
Using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency assumptions mentioned earlier, let's calculate the estimated cost for this route.
Cost calculation:
- Distance: 241 miles
- Average fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon
Total gallons needed: 241 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 9.64 gallons
For the first section of the trip within New Jersey (Cape May to the Garden State Parkway), you would need:
- Total gallons: 33.2 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.33 gallons
Gas cost in New Jersey: 1.33 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $3.66
For the remaining distance within Pennsylvania (Garden State Parkway to Hummelstown), you would need:
- Total gallons: 207.8 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 8.31 gallons
Gas cost in Pennsylvania: 8.31 gallons * $2.85 per gallon = $23.68
Total cost for Route 2: $3.66 (New Jersey section) + $23.68 (Pennsylvania section) = $27.34
Route 3: Scenic Detour via Delaware
If you're open to a more scenic route that allows you to explore additional areas, you might consider taking a detour through Delaware. This route will take you along Coastal Highway and through Wilmington before reaching Hummelstown. Although it adds a bit of extra mileage, the change of scenery might be worth it.
Let's calculate the estimated cost for Route 3, considering the prices of gas in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Cost calculation:
- Distance: 277 miles
- Average fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon
Total gallons needed: 277 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 11.08 gallons
For the first section of the trip within Delaware (Cape May to Coastal Highway), you would need:
- Total gallons: 36.7 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.47 gallons
Gas cost in Delaware: 1.47 gallons * $2.79 per gallon = $4.10
For the next section in New Jersey (Coastal Highway to Garden State Parkway), you would need:
- Total gallons: 24 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 0.96 gallons
Gas cost in New Jersey: 0.96 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $2.64
For the remaining distance within Pennsylvania (Garden State Parkway to Hummelstown), you would need:
- Total gallons: 235.3 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 9.41 gallons
Gas cost in Pennsylvania: 9.41 gallons * $2.85 per gallon = $26.85
Total cost for Route 3: $4.10 (Delaware section) + $2.64 (New Jersey section) + $26.85 (Pennsylvania section) = $33.59
Recommending the Best Route: Lowest Cost vs. Scenic Appeal
Now that we have explored the different routes and their associated costs, it's time to recommend the best route for your trip from Cape May to Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
If your priority is to minimize your expenses, Route 1 (via the Atlantic City Expressway) offers the lowest overall cost at $23.65. It is the most direct route, ensuring a reasonably efficient drive without any significant detours. However, if you're more interested in taking a scenic detour and can afford a slightly higher cost, Route 3 (via Delaware) might be the way to go.
Route 2 (via the Garden State Parkway and Pennsylvania Turnpike) falls in between regarding both cost and scenic appeal. While it offers some beautiful views along the way, it has a slightly higher cost compared to Route 1.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences. If you're aiming for a budget-friendly journey, Route 1 is recommended. However, if you appreciate visual delights and wouldn't mind spending a bit more on the trip, Route 3 could be an exciting option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the journey from Cape May, New Jersey, to Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, offers three distinct routes, each with its own cost and travel experience. Route 1, via the Atlantic City Expressway, presents the most affordable option with a total cost of $23.65. Route 2, using the Garden State Parkway and Pennsylvania Turnpike, offers a slightly longer and more scenic route with a total cost of $27.34. Finally, Route 3 takes a scenic detour through Delaware, with a total cost of $33.59.
Selecting the best route depends on your priorities, whether it be minimizing expenses, enjoying the views, or taking a considered balance between the two. Consider the distances, estimated fuel costs, and your preferences when deciding between these routes. Safe travels!