Driving Cost from Chantilly, Virginia to Alexandria, Virginia

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The Cost of a Trip between Chantilly and Alexandria: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Chantilly, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia, you might wonder what the cost of the journey will be. The cost will depend on several factors, including the mode of transportation, the route, and the current gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the different routes available between Chantilly and Alexandria, their costs and distances, and suggest the best one based on current gas prices.

The Routes

Route 1: Via US-50 E and I-66 E

This is the most straightforward and popular route between Chantilly and Alexandria. The distance between the two cities is approximately 25.8 miles via this route, and it typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to drive, depending on traffic.

To reach Alexandria from Chantilly using this route, you would need to take US-50 E and then turn right onto I-66 E toward Washington DC. After reaching the Capital Beltway, continue onto I-495 S and take exit 173B for US-1 S toward Alexandria. Follow the signs for US-1 S and turn right onto S Henry St. which leads to downtown Alexandria.

The cost of the trip via this route will depend on several factors, including gas prices, the type of car, and tolls. There are no tolls on this route, but you'll need to factor in gas expenses.

Route 2: Via Fairfax County Parkway and I-95 N

This route involves driving northbound on the Fairfax County Parkway, connecting to the I-95 North. It's an indirect route but relatively fast, depending on traffic. The distance between Chantilly and Alexandria via this route is approximately 31 miles, and it takes around 40 minutes to an hour to drive through normal traffic.

To reach Alexandria from Chantilly via this route, take the Fairfax County Parkway North and merge onto VA-286 N. Then take exit 166A-B to merge onto I-95 N towards Baltimore. After driving for eight miles, take exit 177A to go towards US-1 south. Follow the signs for US-1 S and turn right onto S Henry St. To arrive in downtown Alexandria.

The cost of the trip via this route will depend on several factors, including gas prices, the type of car, tolls, and distance.

Route 3: Via VA-28 S and I-66 E

This is another direct route between Chantilly and Alexandria. The distance is approximately 26.7 miles, and it takes around 40 minutes to an hour to reach Alexandria through normal traffic.

To reach Alexandria from Chantilly via this route, you will need to get onto the VA-28 S from Chantilly Crossroads and continue onto I-66 E. After reaching the Capital Beltway, continue onto I-495 S and take exit 173B for US-1 S toward Alexandria. Follow the signs for US-1 S and turn right onto S Henry St. to reach the downtown Alexandria.

The cost of the trip via this route will depend on several factors, including gas prices, tolls, and car type.

The Costs

We used data from FuelEconomy.gov to calculate the fuel cost for a trip from Chantilly to Alexandria, based on the different routes and different car models.

The fuel consumption and miles per gallon (MPG) for different car models when traveling from Chantilly to Alexandria are:

  • Small Car (Hyundai Accent): 39 MPG
  • Compact Car (Nissan Versa): 35 MPG
  • Midsize Car (Toyota Camry): 29 MPG
  • Large Car (Chevrolet Impala): 22 MPG
  • Small SUV (Jeep Cherokee): 29 MPG
  • Large SUV (Chevrolet Suburban): 16 MPG
  • Minivan (Toyota Sienna): 22 MPG

Here are the costs of the trip for each route using the average gas price of $3.02 per gallon in Virginia as of September 2021:

Route 1: Via US-50 E and I-66 E

  • Small car: $2.34
  • Compact car: $2.59
  • Midsize car: $3.15
  • Large car: $4.09
  • Small SUV: $3.15
  • Large SUV: $5.55
  • Minivan: $4.09

Route 2: Via Fairfax County Parkway and I-95 N

  • Small car: $2.94
  • Compact car: $3.26
  • Midsize car: $3.98
  • Large car: $5.16
  • Small SUV: $3.98
  • Large SUV: $7.01
  • Minivan: $5.16

Route 3: Via VA-28 S and I-66 E

  • Small car: $2.43
  • Compact car: $2.69
  • Midsize car: $3.28
  • Large car: $4.25
  • Small SUV: $3.28
  • Large SUV: $5.78
  • Minivan: $4.25

The Best Route

Based on the cost and distance comparison, Route 1 via US-50 E and I-66 E is the most cost-efficient route for traveling from Chantilly to Alexandria, with an approximate cost ranging from $2.34 to $4.09 depending on the type of vehicle. This route is the most direct of the three, and it usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete the journey, depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Planning your trip to Alexandria from Chantilly can be difficult, especially if you're trying to stay within a budget. However, by evaluating the different routes and their costs, you can make an informed decision and save money on your trip. Based on the current gas prices in Virginia, Route 1 via US-50 E and I-66 E is the most cost-efficient route for traveling from Chantilly to Alexandria, with a cost ranging from $2.34 to $4.09 depending on the type of vehicle. The trip usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on traffic, making it an ideal option for commuters and travelers on a tight schedule.