The Cost of a Trip from Cedar Grove, NJ to North East, MD: Gas Prices Matter
When planning a road trip, one of the biggest expenses to consider is the cost of gas. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to know the most cost-effective route for your journey. In this article, we will explore the different potential routes between Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and North East, Maryland, and calculate the cost and distance of each option. We will also recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Route Options
There are three possible routes to travel from Cedar Grove to North East, each with its own pros and cons. Let's take a look at each one in detail:
Route 1: I-95 S
The first route option is to take I-95 S, which is the most direct route between the two cities. Starting from Cedar Grove, you would take I-95 S all the way down to North East, Maryland. This route is approximately 200 miles and should take around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Route 2: I-80 W and I-81 S
The second route option is to take I-80 W to I-81 S, then to I-83 S, and finally to I-95 S. This route is approximately 240 miles and should take around 4 hours, depending on traffic. While this route is slightly longer, it avoids some of the more heavily trafficked areas of I-95 S, which can be beneficial during peak travel times.
Route 3: I-78 W, I-81 S, and I-83 S
The third route option is to take I-78 W to I-81 S, then to I-83 S, and finally to I-95 S. This route is approximately 260 miles and should take around 4.5 hours, depending on traffic. While this route is the longest of the three options, it offers some scenic views as it passes through the Appalachian Mountains.
Calculating Gas Costs
To determine the most cost-effective route, we need to calculate the gas costs for each option. Assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, we can estimate the total gas costs for each route:
Route 1: I-95 S
- Distance: 200 miles
- Estimated gas cost: $20
Route 2: I-80 W and I-81 S
- Distance: 240 miles
- Estimated gas cost: $24
Route 3: I-78 W, I-81 S, and I-83 S
- Distance: 260 miles
- Estimated gas cost: $26
As we can see from the calculations above, Route 1 is the most cost-effective option.
Recommended Route
Based on distance and gas cost, we recommend Route 1, taking I-95 S all the way from Cedar Grove to North East. While the other routes may offer some advantages, such as avoiding traffic or offering scenic views, the added distance and costs make them less appealing.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip between Cedar Grove, NJ and North East, MD, it's important to consider the cost of gas. By calculating the estimated gas costs for each route and looking at distance and convenience, we recommend taking I-95 S as the most cost-effective option. With a total distance of 200 miles and an estimated gas cost of $20, this route should take around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Safe travels!