The Cost of a Trip Between Chambersburg, PA and Fairfax, VA Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to Fairfax, Virginia? Whether it's for work, leisure, or visiting family and friends, it's important to know the cost of the trip to budget accordingly. The cost of a trip between these two locations mainly depends on the mode of transportation and the route you choose.

Here's a breakdown of the cost and distance of different routes you can take, including recommendations on the best route.

Route #1: Via I-81 S and I-66 E

This is the most common route for driving from Chambersburg to Fairfax. It's a distance of approximately 108 miles, and it takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes without traffic. However, the duration can vary based on traffic conditions.

The estimated gas cost for this route, calculated based on the current gas prices in August 2021, is around $14.19 for a car (assuming an average fuel economy of 25 mpg and gas price of $3.19 per gallon). You'll also need to factor in the cost of tolls, which amount to around $6.00. Therefore, the total cost for this route would be approximately $20.19.

Route #2: Via US-30 E and I-83 S

If you want to avoid the traffic on I-81 and the tolls on I-66, you can take this slightly longer route. It's a distance of about 131 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes without traffic.

The estimated gas cost for this route is around $16.80 (based on the same assumptions as Route #1), which is slightly higher due to the longer distance. However, there are no tolls for this route. Therefore, the total cost for this route would be approximately $16.80.

Route #3: Via I-70 E and I-270 S

Another possible route is to take I-70 E and I-270 S, which is a distance of approximately 105 miles and takes approximately 2 hours without traffic. This route passes through Frederick, MD, and Rockville, MD.

The estimated gas cost for this route is around $13.50 (based on the same assumptions as the previous routes). However, you'll need to pay tolls of approximately $6.00, making the total cost for this route approximately $19.50.

The Best Route

Based on the estimated gas cost, time taken, and traffic conditions, Route #1 (via I-81 S and I-66 E) is the recommended route. It's the shortest distance, relatively fast (without traffic), and has only one tollbooth. However, if you want to avoid the tolls, you can take Route #2, which is just slightly longer and a couple of minutes slower.

It's important to note that traffic conditions can significantly affect the total travel time, and it's always best to check the weather and traffic updates before embarking on your journey.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and Fairfax, Virginia, depends on the route you choose and the mode of transportation. Driving is the most common and affordable mode of transportation for this route. Based on the estimated gas cost and time taken, it's recommended to take Route #1 (via I-81 S and I-66 E). It's essential to budget accordingly and check the weather and traffic updates before your trip to avoid any surprises.

If you're planning this trip between two destinations, take advantage of the information provided above to make the most informed decision on a suitable route.