The Cost of a Trip Between Chantilly, Virginia and Woodbridge, Virginia
Traveling between Chantilly, Virginia, and Woodbridge, Virginia can be an efficient and cost-effective way to get around Northern Virginia. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to consider the cost of the trip, particularly because of the ongoing fluctuations in gas prices.
Possible Routes
The distance between Chantilly and Woodbridge is approximately 28 miles. Several routes can be taken to get to Woodbridge from Chantilly, including:
Route 1: Taking VA-28 S and I-66 E
This route is commonly used and is the quickest and easiest way to drive from Chantilly to Woodbridge. To take this route, you need to follow VA-28 South to reach I-66 East. From I-66, merge on the Prince William Parkway exit (47B) and follow it to get to Woodbridge. This route is approximately 28 miles and can take around 35 minutes of driving time.
Route 2: Taking VA-28 S and VA-123 S
This route is another option that you may consider taking. Instead of following the I-66 East route, drivers can turn south on VA-123 toward Woodbridge. You would have to take a left turn onto Old Bridge Road to reach Woodbridge. This option is about 28 miles and can take approximately 40 minutes of driving time.
Route 3: Taking US-50 E and I-66 E
The third alternative route that you can consider is taking US-50 East to I-66 East. From I-66 East, you would merge onto the Prince William Parkway (Exit 47B) and follow the signs to Woodbridge. This route is approximately 30 miles and can take about 35 minutes of driving time.
Route 4: Taking Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) S and I-95 S
Another option is taking Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) South to reach I-95 South. From I-95 South, take Exit 156 (in Dale City) and follow Dale Blvd to reach Woodbridge. This route covers around 36 miles and can consume 45 minutes of driving time.
Highlighting the Cost and Distance of Each Route
Now, let’s look at the distance and cost of each route. For a 28-mile round trip between Chantilly and Woodbridge, here are estimated fuel costs, based on an average miles per gallon (MPG) of 25 and the current average gas price of $3.19 per gallon:
Route 1: Taking VA-28 S and I-66 E - Round Trip Distance: 28 miles; estimated fuel cost: $2.55
Route 2: Taking VA-28 S and VA-123 S - Round Trip Distance: 28 miles; estimated fuel cost: $2.84
Route 3: Taking US-50 E and I-66 E - Round Trip Distance: 30 miles; estimated fuel cost: $2.70
Route 4: Taking Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) S and I-95 S - Round Trip Distance: 36 miles; estimated fuel cost: $3.23
So, with today’s gas price, Route 1 appears to be the most cost-effective, even though it's only about a 29 cents difference from Route 2. However, note that Route 1 may not be the best option in terms of distance and time taken.
Recommended Route
The recommended route is dependent on factors like time of day and day of the week. During rush hours or weekends, some of these routes could be traffic-heavy, resulting in extra time and gas costs. However, in general, taking Route 1: VA-28 S and I-66 E is the most cost-effective and efficient. It is not just the shortest option, but also it avoids the notorious congestion of I-95.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to travel between Chantilly and Woodbridge, offering different distances, driving time, and costs. Depending on your preference, you may choose any one of the routes available. However, Route 1, taking VA-28 S and I-66 E is the best option regarding cost and distance, while still being an efficient and convenient mode of transportation. So, if you are planning a trip from Chantilly to Woodbridge, and want to keep your fuel costs on the lower side, then consider taking this route. With good driving conditions, expect to reach Woodbridge from Chantilly in less than 40 minutes.