The Cost of a Trip Between Capitol Heights and Fort Washington: Navigating the Different Routes

If you are looking to travel internally through Maryland, you may find yourself having to navigate between Capitol Heights and Fort Washington. As with any journey, calculating the costs and route options is essential before hitting the road. In this article, we will review the different routes, distances, and costs involved in a trip between these two cities, and ultimately recommend the optimal path based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-495 S

The first route many consider is driving along the I-495 S from Capitol Heights. This highway runs AROUND Washington D.C. but has notorious traffic problems. By following this route, the trip would be approximately 10 miles in length and take around 20-30 minutes to travel depending on traffic. With current US gas prices for August 2021 averaging at $3.15 per gallon, driving using I-495 S would cost around $0.60 one way.

Route 2: Branch Avenue

Another possible route is using Maryland Route 5 to travel along Branch Avenue. This path takes drivers closer to the city and may not be the best option if you are trying to avoid traffic or if you prefer a more scenic route. It is recommended if you need to pick up something from the Target/Whole Foods or shop at the Tanger Outlets in Oxon Hills. The distance between Capitol Heights and Fort Washington along this route is around 8 miles, taking about 15-20 minutes to complete the trip during busy hours. With gas prices as mentioned earlier, you should expect to pay approximately $0.48 for gas each way.

Route 3: St. Barnabas Road

A third option would be to drive south on St. Barnabas Road. One major advantage of this path is that you would travel over the aptly named “Wilson’s Bridge,” which provides a lovely view of the Potomac River. This route, however, still has traffic challenges at times as it leads to a major shopping mall at the intersection. It would take around 20-25 minutes with a length of 9 miles from Capitol Heights to Fort Washington below 95 south. The cost of gas along this path is roughly the same as Route 2, at approximately $0.48 per way.

Route 4: Suitland Parkway

The final possibility is driving down Route 5 to Suitland Parkway, which mostly consists of a scenic road covered with trees. This path would not only avoid traffic from Branch Avenue but also lead you to a hidden gem - the U.S. Census Bureau. There is no traffic on weekends, but during weekdays, it may take up to an hour to reach Fort Washington on this route. Despite this slight inconvenience, its length is around 13 miles, and the cost of gas would total around $0.78 per each way based on average fuel prices.

Our Recommendation

After considering the different routes, our recommendation is to travel using Route 2 via Branch Avenue. This path is the best option mainly because of its efficiency and convenience. It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete the trip based on traffic, the distance is relatively short, and the cost of fuel is not too high. Moreover, this route offers several options for food, as well as shopping destinations and a smaller amusement park easy to visit shortly dubbed as "The Park at Oxon Hill."

Conclusion

In summary, knowing the various routes and their associated costs and distances is essential when planning a trip between Capitol Heights and Fort Washington. Our recommendation to use Route 2 would provide you with the best-value travel experience and the opportunity to enjoy some shopping, food, and the possibility to spend at the family-oriented oxon hill amusement park - while still staying on budget. So, if you are set to make the trip on a budget, just grab a coffee-to-go ($2) with some fuel at the nearest filling station, and hit the road to Fort Washington. Safe travels!