Driving Cost from Catonsville, Maryland to Arnold, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Catonsville, Maryland and Arnold, Maryland: Gas Prices and Route Choices

Planning a trip between Catonsville and Arnold, two cities located in Maryland, can be a daunting task. What is the most cost-effective route? How much gas is needed? These are some of the questions that may come to mind when planning such a trip. Fortunately, all the information you need is right in front of you. In this article, we will show you how to calculate the cost of a trip between these two cities.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Trip

There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of a trip. The distance between the starting point and the destination point is one of the most important factors. The price of gas is another factor that must be taken into account. Other factors that can affect the cost of a trip include tolls, car rental fees, and parking fees.

Routes between Catonsville and Arnold

There are several routes you can take from Catonsville to Arnold. The route you choose will depend on your preferences and budget. Here are the three main routes you can take:

Route 1: MD-100 E and I-97 S (Distance: 31.4 miles)

This route is the most direct and takes around 40 minutes without traffic. However, it involves tolls, which might add up to the cost of the trip. The current toll rates for this route are as follows:

  • At Howard County: EZPass rates - Class 1 = $1.90; Video toll rates - Class 1 = $3.40
  • At Anne Arundel County: EZPass rates - Class 1 = $3.00; Video toll rates - Class 1 = $4.00

Assuming you have an EZPass, the toll fee for this route would be $4.90.

Route 2: I-695 S and MD-2 S (Distance: 30.6 miles)

This route is slightly longer than the first route but does not involve tolls. It takes around 40 to 45 minutes without traffic. However, this route is not recommended during rush hour as it can be congested.

Route 3: MD-2 S and MD-177 E (Distance: 35.5 miles)

This route is the longest of the three, but it provides a scenic view for those interested in the Chesapeake Bay area. It takes around 50 minutes to an hour without traffic.

Calculating the Cost of a Trip

To calculate the cost of a trip, you must first determine the distance between the two cities. The distance can be calculated using online tools such as Google Maps. For instance, the shortest distance between Catonsville and Arnold is 31.4 miles using Route 1: MD-100 E and I-97 S.

The next step is to determine the price of gas. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Maryland’s current gas price as of September is $3.22 per gallon. To calculate how much gas you will need, divide the distance of the trip by your car's miles per gallon (MPG) rating.

Assuming that your car gets 20 miles per gallon, you will need 1.57 gallons of gas for the trip from Catonsville to Arnold using Route 1. Multiplying 1.57 gallons by the current gas price of $3.22 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip would be around $5.07.

Adding up the toll fee and the gas cost for Route 1, the total cost of the trip from Catonsville to Arnold would be $10.97.

For Route 2, there is no toll fee, so the total cost of the trip would be dependent on the gas cost. Using the same calculations as before, assuming a distance of 30.6 miles and a gas price of $3.22 per gallon, the total cost of the trip would be around $4.99.

The total cost of the trip for Route 3 would be comparable to Route 1 since it is the longest route. Assuming a distance of 35.5 miles, the total cost of gas based on the same rate of $3.22 per gallon would be around $6.71. There are no tolls involved in this route.

Which Route is the Best?

Choosing the best route between Catonsville and Arnold depends on various factors such as traffic, time of day, and personal preferences. If time is important, then Route 1 would be the best since it is the shortest route. However, it involves tolls, which would increase the cost of the trip. Route 2, on the other hand, does not have a toll fee, but it can be congested during rush hour. Route 3 is scenic but the longest of the three, taking up to an hour to complete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Catonsville to Arnold depends on the route taken and current gas prices. There are three primary routes to choose from, namely Route 1: MD-100 E and I-97 S, Route 2: I-695 S and MD-2 S, and Route 3: MD-2 S and MD-177 E. Based on calculations, the total cost of the trip from Catonsville to Arnold ranges from $4.99 to $10.97, depending on the route and the toll fees involved. Ultimately, the decision on which route to take will depend on your budget, preferences, and circumstances.