The Cost of Driving From Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to New York, New York

If you're planning a road trip from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to New York City, you're probably wondering how much it's going to cost you. Fortunately, we've done some research to give you an idea of the expenses you can expect to incur.

Route 1: I-81 N and I-78 W

First, let's look at the most direct route, which involves taking I-81 North and then turning onto I-78 West, straight into New York City. This route covers a distance of approximately 190 miles and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, without traffic. With that said, traffic can easily add an additional hour or two.

Assuming that gas prices are around $3.00 per gallon (which they currently are in most of Pennsylvania), you'll need to budget around $30 for gas. Additionally, there are tolls to consider. The Pennsylvania Turnpike charges $14.90 for passenger vehicles traveling the entire stretch of the highway, while the New Jersey Turnpike charges $13.85 at the right time of day. This brings our estimated total cost to roughly $60.

Route 2: I-81 N, I-84 E, and I-684 S

The second route involves taking I-81 North, turning onto I-84 East in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and then taking I-684 South into New York. This route covers a distance of approximately 217 miles and takes around 4 hours, again not accounting for traffic.

As for the cost, it will be higher due to added mileage. With gas prices at around $3.00 per gallon, you'll need to budget around $35 for gas. The tolls for this route are also more expensive: the Pennsylvania Turnpike will cost you $14.90, while the New York State Thruway will cost you $25.90. With these added expenses, you're looking at a total cost of around $80.

Route 3: US-30 E and I-78 E

Finally, there's a third route that involves taking US-30 East for a short time before turning onto I-78 East and driving straight into New York City. This route covers a distance of approximately 195 miles and again takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, not accounting for any traffic delays.

In terms of cost, this is the cheapest option. With gas prices set at $3.00 per gallon, you'll spend around $30 on gas. The tolls, again, can cause a significant increase in your cost. In this case, you'll need to pay $14.90 for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, $7.60 for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, and $16.20 for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Your total cost for this route would be approximately $70.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania to New York City can vary depending on the route chosen, how much traffic there is, and gas and toll prices. Regardless of which route you end up taking, be sure to plan for added expenses beyond gas. It's always smart to budget for extra costs so that you're not caught off guard during your trip. Safe travels!