The Cost of a Trip between Chantilly, Virginia and Owings Mills, Maryland: A Guide for Budget Travelers

Traveling between Chantilly, Virginia and Owings Mills, Maryland may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are trying to save some money. The cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses can quickly add up and put a dent in your budget. However, with some careful planning and knowledge of the different routes and options available, you can find ways to reduce your costs and make the most of your trip. In this guide, we will explore the different possible routes, their distances, and costs, and help you choose the best one that suits your needs and budget.

Route 1: Via I-66 W and I-81 N

The first route we will look at is the most direct one, which involves taking I-66 W and I-81 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 129 miles and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete, depending on traffic.

The cost of gas for this route varies depending on current gas prices, but as of June 2021, the average cost of gas in Virginia is $2.91 per gallon, and in Maryland, it is $2.98 per gallon. Assuming your car has a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to purchase around 5 gallons of gas for this route, which will cost you around $14.50 in Virginia and $14.90 in Maryland.

In addition to gas, this route involves paying for tolls, as a portion of the route passes through the West Virginia Turnpike. The toll for passenger cars for this route is $8.50 at the mainline plaza and $4.50 at the Tamarack plaza per direction, which means you will need to pay a total of $13 for tolls for this route.

Overall, if you take this route, you can expect to spend around $28.50 on gas and tolls for a one-way trip from Chantilly, Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland.

Route 2: Via I-495 W and I-70 W

The second route we will look at is a slightly longer but more scenic one. This route involves taking I-495 W and I-70 W and covers a distance of approximately 144 miles, taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete, depending on traffic.

The cost of gas for this route is relatively similar to the first route, assuming gas prices are the same as in June 2021. You will need to purchase around 5.8 gallons of gas for this route, which will cost you around $16.80 in Virginia and $17.28 in Maryland.

This route does not require paying for tolls, which can save you some money, but it is important to note that you will need to pay for parking if you plan on visiting any attractions or destinations along the way.

Overall, if you take this route, you can expect to spend around $34.08 on gas and parking for a one-way trip from Chantilly, Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland.

Route 3: Via US-15 N and US-340 W

The third and final route we will look at is the longest but also the most scenic one. This route involves taking US-15 N and US-340 W and covers a distance of approximately 157 miles, taking around 3 hours to complete, depending on traffic.

The cost of gas for this route is slightly higher than the previous routes, assuming gas prices are the same as in June 2021. You will need to purchase around 6.3 gallons of gas for this route, which will cost you around $18.33 in Virginia and $18.90 in Maryland.

This route does not require paying for tolls, but again, you will need to pay for parking if you plan on visiting any attractions or destinations along the way.

Overall, if you take this route, you can expect to spend around $37.23 on gas and parking for a one-way trip from Chantilly, Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland.

The Best Route

So, which route is the best one for budget travelers? It ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for the most direct route and don't mind paying for tolls, Route 1 may be the best option for you. If you want a more scenic route and don't mind an extra 15-20 minutes of driving, Route 2 may be a better choice, especially if you want to skip tolls. If you have more time and want to enjoy the beautiful countryside, Route 3 may be the one for you.

Overall, we recommend Route 2 for most budget travelers. It offers a good balance between distance, time, and cost, and does not require paying for tolls.

Conclusion

In summary, traveling between Chantilly, Virginia and Owings Mills, Maryland can be affordable if you plan your trip carefully and choose the right route. By considering the distance, time, gas prices, tolls, and parking fees, you can estimate the cost of your trip and make informed decisions. Whether you prefer a direct or scenic route, we hope this guide has helped you find the best option for your next trip. Safe travels!