The Cost of Driving From Chatham, New Jersey to Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

Planning a road trip from Chatham to Franklin Lakes, New Jersey? While it's important to factor in gas prices and tolls, don't let that dampen your excitement! In this blog post, we'll break down the costs of different routes, highlight the distances, times, and the expenses you can expect. So buckle up and let's get started!

Route 1: Via I-287 N

Taking the I-287 N route is a popular choice for many travelers. It covers a distance of 37 miles and typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, depending on traffic conditions. Now, let's talk about the cost.

Gas prices in New Jersey currently average around $2.80 per gallon. With fuel efficiency in mind, a mid-size car usually gets about 28 miles per gallon on the highway.

Calculating the cost is quite simple: Distance divided by fuel efficiency per gallon, multiplied by gas price per gallon. So in this case, 37 miles / 28 miles per gallon * $2.80 per gallon ≈ $3.70.

But wait, there's more! Don't forget the tolls. When taking the I-287 N route, expect to pay a toll of around $2.50. Keep some cash handy or ensure your E-ZPass is ready to go.

In summary, the total cost for this route is approximately $6.20, including gas and tolls.

Route 2: Via I-78 W and I-287 N

If you prefer a slightly longer route, you can opt for the I-78 W and I-287 N combination. While the distance stretches to 41 miles, the estimated driving time remains similar, depending on traffic.

The fuel costs for this route will be slightly higher due to the extra mileage. Using the same gas prices as before, we calculate 41 miles / 28 miles per gallon * $2.80 per gallon ≈ $4.10. Additionally, you can still expect to pay the $2.50 toll on this route, making the total cost approximately $6.60.

Route 3: Scenic Route Through Local Roads

Perhaps you're in the mood for a pleasant drive on local roads, taking in the sights and sounds along the way. This scenic route covers a distance of approximately 40 miles, which can be slightly longer or shorter depending on traffic and chosen roads. However, we estimate the driving time to be around 1 hour.

As for the cost, we'll stick with the same gas prices, but the fuel efficiency might vary a little due to the winding roads. Assuming a slightly lower fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we calculate 40 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.80 per gallon ≈ $4.48.

Without any tolls along this route, the total cost comes to around $4.48.

Conclusion

Now that we've broken down the costs of different routes, it's time for you to decide which one suits your preferences and budget. Route 1 via I-287 N offers the shortest distance and time, with a cost of approximately $6.20. If you don't mind a bit of extra driving time, the I-78 W and I-287 N combination will cost you around $6.60. Lastly, the scenic local roads route offers a unique experience at a cost of approximately $4.48.

Remember, these costs are based on current gas prices and existing tolls, which may vary over time. So, make sure to check for any updates before hitting the road.

Safe travels and enjoy your journey from Chatham to beautiful Franklin Lakes, New Jersey!