The Cost of a Trip Between Castine and Swanville Based on Current Gas Prices
Introduction
Planning a trip between Castine and Swanville in Maine? It's always a good idea to consider the cost of gas, especially with fluctuating prices. In this article, we'll explore the various routes between these two destinations and highlight their distances and costs. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of the best route to take, helping you make a well-informed decision while keeping the trip cost-effective.
Route 1: Direct Route
The most direct route between Castine and Swanville is taking ME-166 N and ME-175 N, which covers approximately 37 miles. Let's calculate the estimated cost based on the current gas prices.
Step 1: Determine Fuel Efficiency
The first step is to determine the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Let's assume your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (mpg).
Step 2: Calculate Fuel Consumption
To calculate the fuel consumption for the trip, divide the distance by the fuel efficiency. In this case, 37 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 1.48 gallons.
Step 3: Determine Gas Price
Next, find out the current gas prices. As of the time of writing, gas prices in Maine average around $2.90 per gallon.
Step 4: Calculate Total Cost
Multiply the fuel consumption by the gas price per gallon to get the total cost. For the direct route, the approximate cost of the trip is $2.90 * 1.48 gallons = $4.29.
Route 2: Scenic Coastal Drive
If you have some extra time to spare, you may want to consider taking a scenic coastal drive from Castine to Swanville. This route is longer but offers breathtaking views along the way.
Step 1: Determine Distance
Instead of taking the direct route, you'll travel on ME-166 N until you reach ME-175 N. From there, you'll continue to Belfast and take US-1 N for approximately 67 miles. This route adds an extra 30 miles to your trip, making the total distance 67 miles + 37 miles = 104 miles.
Step 2: Calculate Fuel Consumption
Using the same fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, divide the new distance by the fuel efficiency: 104 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 4.16 gallons.
Step 3: Calculate Total Cost
Multiply the fuel consumption by the gas price per gallon to get the total cost. For the scenic coastal drive, the approximate cost is $2.90 * 4.16 gallons = $12.02.
Route 3: Inland Shortcut
For those looking to save some time and mileage, an inland shortcut can be taken. This route may not offer coastal views, but it's more direct and can be a time-efficient option.
Step 1: Determine Distance
By taking ME-166 N and connecting to ME-15 N, you can shave off some extra mileage. The total distance traveled would be approximately 31 miles.
Step 2: Calculate Fuel Consumption
Again, using our assumed fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, divide the distance by the fuel efficiency: 31 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 1.24 gallons.
Step 3: Calculate Total Cost
Multiply the fuel consumption by the gas price per gallon and calculate the total cost. For the inland shortcut, the approximate cost is $2.90 * 1.24 gallons = $3.60.
Best Route Recommendation
After considering the distance, cost, and time, the best route between Castine and Swanville is the Direct Route. It offers the shortest distance and the lowest cost compared to the other options discussed. However, if you're keen on exploring scenic coastal views, the Scenic Coastal Drive can be a great alternative.
While the inland shortcut provides a slightly lower cost, it falls short in terms of distance and the overall experience compared to the direct and coastal routes. Therefore, unless you specifically prioritize lower cost over distance, it's recommended to opt for the direct route or the scenic coastal drive.
Conclusion
In summary, the direct route between Castine and Swanville offers the most cost-effective option based on current gas prices. With a total cost of approximately $4.29 and a distance of 37 miles, it provides the best balance of efficient travel and minimal expenses. However, if you have extra time and seek a more scenic drive, the coastal route along US-1 N can be an excellent choice, despite costing around $12.02 and covering a total distance of 104 miles. Whichever route you choose, have a safe and enjoyable trip!