The Cost of a Trip between Cascades and Richmond Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip between Cascades, Virginia and Richmond, Virginia? As with any trip, it's important to consider the cost. One of the biggest expenses on a road trip is the cost of gas. Gas prices fluctuate, so let's take a look at the current cost and the different routes you can take to get to Richmond.

Current Gas Prices

Before we dive into the cost of the trip, let's take a look at the current gas prices in Virginia. As of September 2021, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Virginia is $2.88. However, this can vary depending on the station and location. It's important to fill up before you hit the road to ensure you have a full tank and are ready for your trip.

Route Options

When it comes to driving from Cascades to Richmond, there are a few different route options to choose from. Here are three of the most commonly used routes:

Route 1: VA-267 East and I-95 South

This is the fastest route, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel the 85 miles between Cascades and Richmond. The majority of this route is on the highway, making it an easy and straightforward journey. However, the downside to this route is the toll fee. There is a toll on VA-267 East, which can cost anywhere from $4.75 to $9.50, depending on the time of day and how you pay.

Route 2: US-50 East and VA-28 South

This route takes a bit longer, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, but is a good option if you want to avoid tolls. The distance between Cascades and Richmond on this route is slightly longer at 95 miles. However, depending on traffic, it can sometimes be faster than Route 1. This option also provides some scenic views, as it passes through the countryside.

Route 3: VA-7 East and I-95 South

This route is the longest of the three, taking approximately 2 hours to travel the 115 miles between Cascades and Richmond. However, it is another option to avoid tolls and provides some scenic views. This route also passes through several towns, so it may be a good option if you need to make any stops along the way.

Cost of the Trip

So, how much will the trip between Cascades and Richmond actually cost based on gas prices? Let's assume you have a vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and you are traveling the shortest distance on Route 1.

The distance between Cascades and Richmond on this route is 85 miles. To calculate the cost of the trip, you need to divide the distance by your vehicle's miles per gallon to get the number of gallons you'll need. In this case, 85 divided by 25 equals 3.4 gallons of gas. Multiply this number by the current gas price of $2.88 per gallon, and the cost for this one-way trip would be approximately $9.79.

If you were to take Route 2, the distance is 95 miles, so the cost would be slightly more at approximately $10.99. And for Route 3, the distance is 115 miles, making the cost approximately $13.15.

It's important to note that gas prices can vary, so these are estimates based on the current average price.

Best Route

So, which route is the best option? It really depends on your priorities. If you want to get to Richmond quickly and don't mind paying a toll, Route 1 is the best option. If you want to avoid tolls and potentially enjoy some scenic views, Route 2 or 3 may be better options. It's important to factor in the distance and any potential stops you may need to make, as well.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a trip between Cascades and Richmond based on current gas prices is relatively affordable. With the most expensive option costing just over $13, it's a reasonable cost for a road trip. Depending on your priorities, Route 1 may be the best option for a quick and easy journey, or Route 2 or 3 may provide a more scenic route. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to fill up before hitting the road and enjoy the journey!