Driving Cost from Carney, Maryland to Bowie, Maryland

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Carney to Bowie: A Detailed Guide

If you're planning a road trip from Carney, Maryland, to Bowie, Maryland, you're in for a treat. Both towns offer beautiful sceneries, delicious foods, and fun activities. However, before you take off, it's essential to estimate the cost of your journey, especially the transportation expenses. In this article, we'll provide you with a thorough breakdown of the cost of a trip to Bowie from Carney, including the different routes, distance, and fuel prices. So buckle up and let's get started.

Route A: Via US-40 E and I-695 E

The first route is via US-40 E and I-695 E. This journey covers approximately 43.5 miles, and it takes about an hour and ten minutes to complete. Here's the estimated cost of the trip based on the current fuel prices:

  • Gasoline. The average fuel efficiency for a passenger vehicle is about 24.7 miles per gallon. The fuel price in Maryland, as of June 2021, is roughly $3.05 per gallon. Based on these figures, you'll need nearly two gallons of gasoline each way. This means that you'll spend approximately $12.20 on fuel for a round trip.

  • Tolls. There is one toll road on this route, which is the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The toll fee for two-axle vehicles is $4.00 (E-ZPass) and $6.00 (cash). You'll pay the toll in one direction, which will cost you between $4.00 and $6.00.

  • Vehicle maintenance. Road trips can put a strain on your car, so it's essential to factor in maintenance costs. The cost of oil change, tire rotation, and other minor repairs can differ based on the car's model, make, and mileage. However, you should budget at least $50 for the maintenance fee.

Total Estimated Cost: $66.20 - $68.20

This route is ideal if you're in a hurry or need to get to Bowie quickly. However, keep in mind that the road can be quite busy during peak hours, especially around the I-695 interchange.

Route B: Via I-95 S and MD-441 S

The second route is via I-95 S and MD-441 S. This is the longer of the two routes, covering approximately 47.8 miles and taking 50 minutes to complete. Here's the estimated cost of the journey based on the current fuel prices:

  • Gasoline. Since this is a longer route, you'll need more gasoline. Using the same fuel efficiency estimate we made previously, you'll need about two gallons of gasoline each way. This means that you'll spend approximately $12.20 on fuel for a round trip.

  • Tolls. There are two toll roads on this journey, the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Harbor Tunnel. The toll fee for two-axle vehicles is currently $4.00 (E-ZPass) and $6.00 (cash) for each tunnel. You'll pay the tolls in one direction, which will cost you between $8.00 and $12.00.

  • Vehicle maintenance. Just like with the previous route, you should budget for vehicle maintenance. You'll need to spend at least $50 for oil change, tire rotation, and other minor repairs.

Total Estimated Cost: $78.20 - $82.20

This route is ideal if you want to enjoy a scenic drive and avoid the busy roads. You'll also be passing through Baltimore, which offers various attractions such as the Baltimore Museum of Art, National Aquarium, and Maryland Science Center.

Route C: Via US-1 S and MD-175 W

The third route is via US-1 S and MD-175 W. This route is the shortest, covering approximately 30.6 miles and taking 45 minutes to complete. Here's the estimated cost of the journey based on the current fuel prices:

  • Gasoline. Since this route is shorter, you'll need less gasoline. Using the same fuel efficiency estimate, you'll need approximately 1.25 gallons of gasoline each way. This means that you'll spend about $7.80 on fuel for a round trip.

  • Tolls. There are no toll roads on this route.

  • Vehicle maintenance. Just like with the previous routes, you should budget at least $50 for vehicle maintenance.

Total Estimated Cost: $57.80

This route is ideal if you want a budget-friendly option with less traffic.

Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis above, we recommend taking Route A via US-40 E and I-695 E. While it may be the most expensive route, it's the fastest and most convenient. Plus, you'll get a chance to cross the beautiful Francis Scott Key Bridge. However, if you're not in a hurry, you can opt for Route B via I-95 S and MD-441 S and enjoy a lovely drive while avoiding the busy roads.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it's essential to factor in the transportation expenses. We hope that our detailed guide has given you a better understanding of the cost of traveling between Carney and Bowie. Remember to plan ahead, budget accordingly, and enjoy your journey!