The Cost of a Road Trip from Carteret, New Jersey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Carteret, New Jersey to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? If so, you might be wondering about the cost and distance to help you plan your budget. There are different routes to go to Philadelphia, and the cost of each depends on several factors such as the distance, gas prices, tolls, and the type of vehicle you are driving. This article will dissect these factors to determine the best route and total cost to get Philadelphia from Carteret.

Possible Routes

Before we dive into the cost breakdown of each route, let's look at the possible routes to get to Philadelphia.

Route 1: New Jersey Turnpike and I-95

This is the most direct and fastest route to Philadelphia, and it covers a distance of approximately 94 miles. You'll take the New Jersey Turnpike and continue onto the I-95 South until you reach your destination.

Route 2: I-287 and I-95

This route is slightly longer and covers a distance of approximately 98 miles. You'll take the I-287 South, then merge onto I-95 South until you reach Philadelphia.

Route 3: Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway

This route is the longest, covering a distance of approximately 125 miles. You'll take the Garden State Parkway South until it merges with the Atlantic City Expressway. Then, you'll continue on until you reach Philadelphia.

Cost Breakdown for Each Route

Now that we know the possible routes, let's break down the cost of each route based on several factors.

Gas Prices

Gas prices play a vital role in determining the cost of any road trip. As of August 2021, gas prices in New Jersey are around $3.18 per gallon, which is slightly cheaper than the national average of $3.27 per gallon. Based on these prices, let's calculate the gas cost for each route using a standard sedan that gets 28 miles per gallon.

Route 1:

The distance of this route is 94 miles. Therefore, you'll need to buy about 3.36 gallons of gas to complete the journey. The total gas cost will be around $10.69.

Route 2:

The distance of this route is 98 miles. Therefore, you'll need to buy about 3.5 gallons of gas to complete the journey. The total gas cost will be around $11.13.

Route 3:

The distance of this route is 125 miles. Therefore, you'll need to buy about 4.46 gallons of gas to complete the journey. The total gas cost will be around $14.17.

Tolls

Tolls also add up to the overall cost of the trip. Let's take a look at the tolls for each route.

Route 1:

Toll prices on the New Jersey Turnpike vary depending on the exit. The total one-way toll cost from Carteret to Philadelphia ranges from $10.60 to $11.75.

Route 2:

There are no tolls on this route.

Route 3:

The total one-way toll cost on the Garden State Parkway is $1.50, which you'll need to pay twice. The total cost of the Atlantic City Expressway toll is $6.50.

Vehicle Depreciation

If you own a car, it's essential to include vehicle depreciation in your trip's overall cost. Vehicle depreciation occurs when your car's value decreases over time due to wear and tear. According to AAA, the average operating cost per mile for a standard sedan is around 51 cents. This includes gas, maintenance, and depreciation.

Route 1:

The total distance covered on this route is 94 miles. Therefore, the total vehicle depreciation cost will be around $48.06.

Route 2:

The total distance covered on this route is around 98 miles. Therefore, the total vehicle depreciation cost will be around $49.98.

Route 3:

The total distance covered on this route is around 125 miles. Therefore, the total vehicle depreciation cost will be around $63.75.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost breakdown, it's clear that Route 2 is the best option for a budget-friendly trip. Although it's slightly longer, it's the only route with no tolls and the cheapest gas cost. Therefore, the total cost of this route would be about $61.11 for a round trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several routes to get from Carteret, New Jersey, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, some more cost-effective than others. Gas prices, tolls, vehicle depreciation, and distance are the main factors that impact the cost of the trip. Route 2, using the I-287 and I-95, is the best option for saving money, with a total cost of around $61.11 for a round trip. With this information, you can now plan accordingly for your trip and set aside the appropriate budget for your adventure.