The Cost of a Trip between Catonsville, Maryland and Whitehall, Pennsylvania: A Comparison of Different Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling can be exciting, but it can also be costly. When planning a trip between Catonsville, Maryland and Whitehall, Pennsylvania, one of the first things to consider is the cost of transportation. Gas prices can change frequently, so it is important to compare the different routes and their costs.

Route 1: I-695 and I-83 N

The first and most direct route from Catonsville to Whitehall is through I-695 and I-83 N. This is a distance of approximately 87.8 miles and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Maryland is around $2.96 per gallon, and in Pennsylvania, it is around $3.15 per gallon.

Using an average of 20 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route will be around $18.59. Toll fees for the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel add an additional $7.20 to the total cost of the trip.

Route 2: US-40 W and I-83 N

Another option is to take US-40 W and I-83 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 95 miles and takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Maryland is around $2.96 per gallon, and in Pennsylvania, it is around $3.15 per gallon.

Using an average of 20 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route will be around $20.55. There are no toll fees for this route, so the total cost of the trip will be lower than Route 1.

Route 3: US-30 W

Another option is to take US-30 W, also known as the Lincoln Highway. This route covers a distance of approximately 110 miles and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Maryland is around $2.96 per gallon, and in Pennsylvania, it is around $3.15 per gallon.

Using an average of 20 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route will be around $24.40. There are no toll fees for this route, so the total cost of the trip will be lower than Route 1, but slightly higher than Route 2.

Route 4: US-40 W and PA-145 N

Finally, another option is to take US-40 W and PA-145 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 109 miles and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, as of August 2021, the average gas price in Maryland is around $2.96 per gallon, and in Pennsylvania, it is around $3.15 per gallon.

Using an average of 20 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route will be around $24.18. There are no toll fees for this route, so the total cost of the trip will be lower than Route 1, but slightly higher than Route 2.

Recommendation

Based on the costs and distances of the different routes, the best option to take between Catonsville, Maryland and Whitehall, Pennsylvania is Route 2: US-40 W and I-83 N. This route has the lowest cost of gas and has no toll fees, making it the most financially efficient choice.

Conclusion

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but with the right information, it can be more manageable. Comparing the costs and distances of different routes can help travelers make a more informed decision. When traveling between Catonsville, Maryland and Whitehall, Pennsylvania, the best route to take is Route 2, which will cost around $20.55 in gas and take about 2 hours, depending on traffic.