The Cost of a Road Trip from Cardiff to New Forest: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you planning a road trip from Cardiff to New Forest, but don't know how much it would cost you? Look no further. In this guide, we will take a deep dive into all the possible routes, including their distance, gas prices, and other expenses to help you choose the best route that fits your budget and preferences.
Route 1: Via M4 and A34
This route is the most direct, taking you approximately three hours, and covers a distance of 130 miles. It heads east from Cardiff along M4 towards Bristol, and then south on A34 to New Forest.
Fuel Cost
Assuming gas prices are at £1.29 per litre, and your vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway, the fuel cost for this route would be about £27.
Other Expenses
It's essential to factor in other expenses such as toll fees and parking charges. Along this route, you'll need to pay a toll fee of £6.80 at the Severn Bridge crossing. Parking fees in New Forest typically range from £2 to £5 per hour.
Total Cost
Taking into account fuel, toll fees, and parking charges, the trip's total cost will be approximately £65.
Route 2: Via M5, M4, and A36
This alternate route is slightly longer, covering a distance of 142 miles and taking around three and a half hours. With this route, you'll join M5 south from Cardiff to Bristol, switch to M4, and later merge onto A36.
Fuel Cost
Using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency figures, the fuel cost for this route would be about £30.
Other Expenses
On this route, you'll need to account for toll fees at the Severn Bridge crossing as well as another toll of £4.70 on the M48. Parking charges in New Forest are the same as in Route 1.
Total Cost
The total cost of this route would be approximately £74, taking into account fuel, toll fees, and parking charges.
Route 3: Via M5, A358, A303, and A36
This is the longest possible route, covering a distance of 168 miles and taking around four and a half hours. You'll join the M5 south of Cardiff, take the A358 towards Yeovil, turn onto A303, and later merge onto A36.
Fuel Cost
Using the same fuel efficiency figures and gas prices, the fuel cost for this route would be about £36.
Other Expenses
This route is toll-free, meaning you only need to account for parking charges in New Forest.
Total Cost
The total cost of this route would be approximately £80, taking into account fuel and parking charges.
Recommended Route
While Route 1 is the shortest and most direct, it's also the most expensive due to the toll fees. Route 2 and 3 are more affordable, with Route 2 being slightly shorter and Route 3 being longer.
Based on our calculations, we recommend taking Route 2 as it offers a balance between cost and distance.
Conclusion
Taking into account the fuel costs, toll fees, and parking charges, a road trip from Cardiff to New Forest would cost approximately £74, using the recommended route. The route takes around three and a half hours to complete, meaning you'll have ample time to stop in scenic spots and make the most of your trip.