Driving Cost from Cascades, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Cascades, VA and Frederick, MD: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Cascades, Virginia and Frederick, Maryland, one of your primary concerns is likely the cost of the journey. With gas prices fluctuating regularly, determining the most affordable route can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several options for traveling between these two locations, each with its own pros and cons in terms of time, distance, and expenses. In this article, we'll discuss four potential routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each. We'll also recommend the best route based on our research.

Route 1: Via the Dulles Greenway and VA-7 W

This first potential route involves taking the Dulles Greenway and VA-7 W from Cascades to Frederick. Here's what you can expect in terms of distance and cost:

  • Total distance: Approximately 43 miles
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour
  • Fuel cost: Approximately $4.50 (based on 20 mpg and $3.00/gallon gas prices)

This route is the shortest in terms of mileage but may not be the most cost-effective depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The Dulles Greenway is a toll road, with a current cost of $5.50 for passenger vehicles. If you're driving a large vehicle or are towing a trailer, this cost could be higher. Additionally, VA-7 W is a two-lane road for much of the journey, which could result in traffic backups or other delays.

Route 2: Via VA-28 S and US-15 S

For a slightly longer but potentially more budget-friendly option, you could travel through VA-28 S and US-15 S. Here's what you need to know about this route:

  • Total distance: Approximately 47 miles
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes
  • Fuel cost: Approximately $4.70 (based on 20 mpg and $3.00/gallon gas prices)

This route skips the toll road but takes a bit longer to get to Frederick. There is also a possibility of encountering traffic on US-15 S, especially during peak travel times. However, US-15 S is a four-lane divided highway, which should make for a smoother ride overall.

Route 3: Via US-50 W

If you're willing to take a longer route and potentially spend a bit more on gas, you could travel through US-50 W. Here are the specifics:

  • Total distance: Approximately 66 miles
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes
  • Fuel cost: Approximately $6.60 (based on 20 mpg and $3.00/gallon gas prices)

US-50 W takes you through Aldie, Middleburg, and other small towns before eventually leading you to Frederick. While this route is more scenic, it is also the longest in terms of mileage. You may also encounter traffic on US-50 W, especially in the more populated areas.

Route 4: Via I-495 N and I-270 N

Finally, you could travel through I-495 N and I-270 N, which takes you around Washington, D.C. Here's what you can expect:

  • Total distance: Approximately 60 miles
  • Travel time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Fuel cost: Approximately $7.20 (based on 20 mpg and $3.00/gallon gas prices)

This route is a good choice if you want to avoid traveling through any major cities or highly congested areas. However, I-495 N is a major interstate with a high volume of traffic, and it can be prone to backups during peak travel times. If you're traveling during off-peak times, this route may be quicker than others.

Recommendation: Route 2

Based on our research, we recommend taking Route 2 for a cost-effective journey between Cascades and Frederick. While it is slightly longer than Route 1, it doesn't involve a toll road, and the two-lane VA-7 W could be less crowded than the Dulles Greenway during peak travel times. Additionally, US-15 S is a divided highway, which makes for a smoother and less stressful journey.

Conclusion

While there are several possible routes for traveling between Cascades, Virginia and Frederick, Maryland, Route 2 (via VA-28 S and US-15 S) is our recommended choice based on current gas prices. This route is roughly 47 miles long and should take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes of travel time. With a fuel cost of approximately $4.70 (based on 20 mpg and $3.00/gallon gas prices), it is a cost-effective option that avoids tolls while still providing a smooth, relatively quick journey. Safe travels!