Driving Cost from Centreville, Virginia to Greenbelt, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Centreville, Virginia and Greenbelt, Maryland Based on Current Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Centreville, Virginia and Greenbelt, Maryland, it is essential to consider the cost of gas as it is the primary expense. With the fluctuation of gas prices, the overall cost of the journey can vary drastically. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

The Different Possible Routes

Route 1: Taking VA-28 N and I-66 E

The first possible route one can take from Centreville to Greenbelt is by driving on VA-28 N and I-66 E. This route is approximately 37.3 miles long, and it usually takes around 42 minutes. On this route, one may encounter traffic jams during rush hour, which could extend the driving time and increase the cost of the trip.

Route 2: Taking I-495 E

The second option is to take the I-495 E route from Centreville to Greenbelt. This route is approximately 33.4 miles long and usually takes around 35 minutes. This route has a toll of $3.25, which increases the total cost of the trip.

Route 3: Taking I-66 E and I-495 E

This third option involves taking I-66 E for 8.2 miles and then joining I-495 E for about 41.0 miles to Greenbelt. The entire journey covers a distance of approximately 49.7 miles and usually takes around 52 minutes. This longer route could increase the cost of the trip, especially during rush hour.

The Cost of Each Route

The cost of gas is the primary expense of any road trip, and it is affected by several factors, including fuel efficiency and gas prices. Based on the current average gas price in both Virginia and Maryland (as at the time of writing this article) of around $2.55/gallon, we can estimate the cost of each possible route.

Using an online fuel cost calculator, we can estimate the cost of gas for each route based on current gas prices, miles per gallon, and the distance of each route. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and rounding up to the nearest penny, below is a breakdown of the estimated gas cost for each route:

  • Route 1: On VA-28 N and I-66 E, the total distance is approximately 37.3 miles, and the estimated gas cost is $3.78.
  • Route 2: On I-495 E, the total distance is approximately 33.4 miles, and the estimated gas cost is $3.41. However, there is an additional toll of $3.25, which brings the total cost to $6.66.
  • Route 3: Taking I-66 E and I-495 E, the total distance is approximately 49.7 miles, and the estimated gas cost is $5.07.

Based on the cost and distance of each route, the recommended route from Centreville, Virginia to Greenbelt, Maryland, is Route 2, taking I-495 E. Despite the $3.25 toll charge, the shorter distance and estimated gas cost make this the most cost-effective option. It is essential to note that factor in the possibility of traffic jams and the cost of possible parking fees.

Conclusion

When planning a trip from Centreville, Virginia to Greenbelt, Maryland, it is crucial to account for the cost of gas as the primary expense. Based on the current gas prices and the distance of each possible route, we can recommend taking I-495 E as the most cost-effective option. The journey, including the toll, would cost approximately $6.66 and would usually take around 35 minutes, depending on the traffic flow. It is always best to keep gas prices in mind when planning any trip to minimize expenses.