The Cost of a Trip Between Carbondale and Hershey, Pennsylvania

If you are planning a road trip from Carbondale to Hershey, Pennsylvania, you are probably wondering how much money you will need for the journey. The cost will depend on several factors, including the distance, gas prices, and the route you choose. In this article, we will break down the cost of the trip and give you some recommendations to help you make the most cost-effective choices.

Route Options

There are different routes you can choose to take when driving from Carbondale to Hershey. The quickest and most direct route is via I-81 South. It's a distance of approximately 138 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes to drive. However, if you want to save some money on gas, there are alternative routes you can take that are slightly longer.

Route 1: Via Route 61 South

If you want to avoid highways, you can take Route 61 South to Hershey. This route is approximately 160 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 31 minutes to drive. The advantage of taking this route is that it is more scenic than the highway, and you can enjoy the countryside. However, the downside is that it's slightly longer, so you'll need to budget for additional driving time and gas.

Route 2: Via Route 6 West

Another option is to take Route 6 West to Route 11 South to I-81 South, then head to Hershey. This route is approximately 150 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 4 minutes to drive. The advantage of this route is that it is more scenic than the highway, and you can enjoy the rolling hills and small towns. However, like Route 61 South, it's slightly longer, so you'll need to budget for additional driving time and gas.

Gas Prices

Gas prices in Pennsylvania fluctuate depending on the season, demand, and other factors. As of August 2021, gas prices in Pennsylvania are around $3.13 per gallon. If you have a car that takes 15 gallons of gas, you'll need to budget around $47 for gas for the Carbondale to Hershey trip. However, the cost will depend on the route you take and the gas prices along the way.

Recommended Route

Based on the distance and gas prices, the most cost-effective and time-efficient route is via I-81 South. It's the shortest route, and you'll spend less time on the road. The gas cost for this route will be around $40, which is slightly cheaper than the other routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Carbondale to Hershey, Pennsylvania, depends on the route you choose and the gas prices at the time of the trip. The most cost-effective and time-efficient route is via I-81 South, which costs around $40 for gas. However, if you want a more scenic route, you can take Route 61 South or Route 6 West, which will be slightly longer and cost a few more dollars in gas. Regardless of the route, make sure to budget for gas and any other expenses, such as tolls or food, to avoid any surprises along the way. Safe travels!