A Guide to the Cost of a Trip Between Catonsville, Maryland and Silver Spring, Maryland Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you thinking of taking a road trip from Catonsville to Silver Spring in Maryland? Whether it's for work or pleasure, it's important to budget for the cost of the trip. gas prices can fluctuate from one day to the next, so it's important to take current gas prices into account when planning your trip. In this article, we will break down the cost of several possible routes between Catonsville and Silver Spring, and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about which route to take.
Possible Routes
Route 1: Interstate-95
The most direct route between Catonsville and Silver Spring is to take Interstate-95 South. The distance between the two cities is approximately 29 miles, and the trip takes about 40 minutes without any traffic. However, you should factor in some extra time for traffic during rush hour. This route is a pretty straightforward one, with no major detours or alternative routes.
Route 2: Route-40 and Route-29
Another option is to take Route-40 East to Route-29 South. This route will take you through the rolling hills and scenic countryside of Maryland. The distance between Catonsville and Silver Spring on this route is approximately 30 miles, and the trip takes about 50 minutes without any traffic. However, Route-40 is a two-lane road, so you may encounter more traffic and more red lights than on the Interstate-95 route.
Route 3: Route-144
Route-144 is a scenic alternative to the Interstate-95 route. This route will take you through the Patapsco Valley State Park and past the historic Ellicott City. The distance between Catonsville and Silver Spring on this route is approximately 35 miles, and the trip takes about 1 hour without any traffic. However, Route-144 is a two-lane road, so you may encounter more traffic and more red lights than on the Interstate-95 route.
Route 4: Baltimore-Washington Parkway
The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is a toll road that connects Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This route will take you through the city of Baltimore and past the University of Maryland-College Park. The distance between Catonsville and Silver Spring on this route is approximately 32 miles, and the trip takes about 45 minutes without any traffic. However, you will have to factor in the cost of the toll.
Cost
To calculate the cost of your trip between Catonsville and Silver Spring, you will need to take into account the distance, the gas mileage of your car, and the current gas prices.
According to AAA, the current average gas price in Maryland is $3.06 per gallon as of June 2021. The average gas mileage for cars in the United States is 25 miles per gallon. Therefore, if you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay the following amount for each possible route:
Route 1: Interstate-95
29 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.16 gallons
1.16 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $3.55
Route 2: Route-40 and Route-29
30 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.2 gallons
1.2 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $3.67
Route 3: Route-144
35 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.4 gallons
1.4 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $4.29
Route 4: Baltimore-Washington Parkway
32 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.28 gallons
1.28 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $3.91 + tolls (varies)
Conclusion
Based on current gas prices, the most cost-effective route between Catonsville and Silver Spring is Route 1: Interstate-95. While there are more scenic routes that take you through the countryside or past historic sites, these routes have two lanes and may be more congested with red lights which can take more time and gas to travel through. It's smart to remember that gas prices can fluctuate, so these prices may change depending on when you make your trip, but this guide can help you to estimate the cost. Overall, a road trip to Silver Spring from Catonsville is a wonderful chance to experience Maryland's scenic landscapes and history, and with careful planning, it can be an affordable one too. The 29-mile trip takes about 40 minutes without traffic, making it a quick and efficient option.