The Cost of Traveling between Catonsville, Maryland and Fairfax, Virginia in Today's Gas Prices
If you’re planning a road trip from Catonsville, Maryland to Fairfax, Virginia, one of the most important things you should consider is the cost of travel. The money you spend on transportation can make up a significant portion of your travel budget. In this article, we’ll explore different ways to get from Catonsville to Fairfax and how much each of these options costs.
The Distance between Catonsville and Fairfax
Before we delve into the cost of travel, let’s look at the distance between these two towns. Catonsville and Fairfax are located in Maryland and Virginia respectively. The shortest distance between them is approximately 50 miles. However, depending on the route you choose, this distance can vary.
Possible Routes between Catonsville and Fairfax
There are several ways to get from Catonsville to Fairfax. The most common routes include:
Via I-495 and I-95
This is the most direct route between these two towns. You’ll start by driving south on I-695 towards I-95. Once you’re on I-95 south, you’ll merge onto I-495 east towards Tyson’s Corner and Silver Spring. Take the exit for US-50 east towards Fairfax and follow the signs to your destination. This route is approximately 50 miles long, and you’ll spend most of your time on the highway.
Via MD-32
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take MD-32 south towards US-29. From here, you’ll drive south towards I-70 and then east towards I-695. Follow the signs for I-95 south and merge onto I-495 east towards Fairfax. Take the exit for US-50 east towards Fairfax and follow the signs to your destination. This route is approximately 58 miles long and will take you through some parts of rural Maryland.
Via US-1
You can also take US-1 south towards I-95. From here, you’ll merge onto I-495 east and follow the signs for US-50 east towards Fairfax. This route is approximately 55 miles long and will take you through several towns and cities.
Cost of Travel
Now that we’ve looked at the different routes, let’s consider how much each of these options will cost you. To calculate the cost of travel, we’ll assume a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon.
Via I-495 and I-95
Assuming a distance of 50 miles, you’ll need 2 gallons of gas to cover this route. At $3.00 per gallon, you’ll spend approximately $6.00 on gas.
Via MD-32
Assuming a distance of 58 miles, you’ll need 2.32 gallons of gas to cover this route. At $3.00 per gallon, you’ll spend approximately $6.96 on gas.
Via US-1
Assuming a distance of 55 miles, you’ll need 2.2 gallons of gas to cover this route. At $3.00 per gallon, you’ll spend approximately $6.60 on gas.
Recommended Route
The most cost-effective route between Catonsville and Fairfax is via I-495 and I-95. This route is not only the shortest but also the cheapest. You’ll also spend most of your time on the highway, which can help save time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most cost-effective way to travel from Catonsville to Fairfax is via I-495 and I-95. You’ll spend approximately $6.00 on gas for this route. Depending on traffic and other factors, the trip can take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s important to note that the cost of travel may vary depending on the fuel economy of your vehicle and gas prices in your area. Nonetheless, using these estimates can provide a general idea of what to expect when planning your trip.