The Cost of a Trip between Cascades and Manassas: Navigating Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Cascades, Virginia to Manassas, Virginia? Before embarking on your journey, it's important to consider the cost of gas, the distance of different routes, and the most efficient way to make the trip.

Route Options

There are several routes you can choose from when traveling between Cascades and Manassas. The most common options include taking Route 7 West to Route 28 North or taking the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) to Route 28 North. Another option is to take the toll-free route by taking Old Ox Road and Route 28 North.

Each route has its benefits and drawbacks, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the cost of gas.

Gas Prices

To determine the cost of gas for your trip, you need to know the distance you will be traveling and the current gas prices. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Virginia is $2.98 per gallon.

Using Google Maps, we can see that the distance between Cascades and Manassas is approximately 13 miles. This means you will need to fill up your gas tank at least once for the round trip. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to purchase approximately one gallon of gas each way, or a total of two gallons for the round trip.

At $2.98 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $5.96 on gas for the trip. However, keep in mind that gas prices can vary depending on where you fill up. It's important to check gas prices before you start your trip to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.

Route 7 West to Route 28 North

Taking Route 7 West to Route 28 North is the most direct route to Manassas. However, it does involve navigating through the bustling town centers of Sterling and Chantilly during rush hour.

The distance of this route is approximately 10 miles. Using Google Maps, we can see that it would take approximately 20 minutes to drive this route without traffic. However, during rush hour, this route can take closer to 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Assuming you take this route during rush hour and your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use approximately 0.4 gallons of gas each way, or a total of 0.8 gallons for the round trip. This means you can expect to spend approximately $2.38 on gas for this route.

Dulles Greenway to Route 28 North

Taking the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) to Route 28 North is a more expensive option, but it can be faster and less congested. The Dulles Greenway is a toll road, and as of August 2021, the cost of the toll is $4.95 during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 6:30pm).

The distance of this route is approximately 14 miles. Using Google Maps, we can see that it would take approximately 25 minutes to drive this route without traffic. However, during rush hour, this route can take closer to 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Assuming you take this route during rush hour and your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use approximately 0.5 gallons of gas each way, or a total of 1 gallon for the round trip. This means you can expect to spend approximately $2.98 on gas and $9.90 on tolls for this route.

Old Ox Road and Route 28 North

Taking Old Ox Road and Route 28 North is a toll-free option that avoids the toll road and the town centers of Sterling and Chantilly. This route can be longer in distance, but it may be faster during rush hour due to less congestion.

The distance of this route is approximately 12 miles. Using Google Maps, we can see that it would take approximately 25 minutes to drive this route without traffic. However, during rush hour, this route can take closer to 30-40 minutes to complete.

Assuming you take this route during rush hour and your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use approximately 0.45 gallons of gas each way, or a total of 0.9 gallons for the round trip. This means you can expect to spend approximately $2.68 on gas for this route.

Recommended Route

Based on the information provided, we recommend taking Old Ox Road and Route 28 North. While it may be slightly longer in distance than the other routes, it's toll-free and may be faster during rush hour due to less congestion.

Additionally, this route is more affordable, as you can expect to spend approximately $2.68 on gas for the round trip. When compared to the other routes, this is a significant cost savings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between Cascades and Manassas can be affordable and efficient if you consider the cost of gas and the various route options. We recommend taking Old Ox Road and Route 28 North to save money on gas and avoid tolls. Depending on traffic and your car's gas mileage, you can expect the round trip to take approximately 60-80 minutes. Safe travels!