Driving Cost from Chesterfield Township, New Jersey to Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Chesterfield Township, New Jersey and Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania

Introduction

Planning a trip between Chesterfield Township in New Jersey and Bensalem Township in Pennsylvania requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to transportation costs. With fluctuating gas prices affecting our budgets, it is essential to analyze the different routes available, their distances, and associated expenses. In this article, we will explore various routes, highlight their costs, and recommend the best option for a cost-effective journey.

Route 1: New Jersey Turnpike - Interstate 195

One of the most straightforward and commonly chosen routes for traveling from Chesterfield Township to Bensalem Township is via the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 195. This route covers approximately 36 miles, as per Google Maps, and can typically be completed in around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road, which can add to the overall cost of the trip. As of the latest update, the toll rates for cars driving through the New Jersey Turnpike are as follows:

  • Chesterfield Township Exit (Exit 7): Tolls start at $3.50
  • Bensalem Township Exit (Exit 358): Tolls amount to $6.80

Considering the round trip, the total toll costs for this route would be $21.60. Additionally, it is essential to factor in gas expenses, as the distance covered is roughly 72 miles round trip. Assuming an average of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the estimated gas cost would amount to approximately $7.20.

Summing up the toll fees and gas expenses, the total cost of this trip via the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 195 would be $28.80.

Route 2: I-295 and US-130

Another viable route option to consider is using Interstate 295 and US-130. This route is approximately 37 miles long, as per Google Maps, and takes around 50 minutes on average, depending on traffic conditions.

Unlike Route 1, this alternative does not involve toll roads. However, it still incurs gas expenses due to the distance covered. Following the previous assumptions regarding gas consumption (25 miles per gallon) and gas prices ($2.50 per gallon), the estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $7.40.

Hence, considering only the gas expenses, the total cost of this trip via Interstate 295 and US-130 would amount to $7.40.

Route 3: Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge

For those looking for an alternative route that avoids potentially heavy traffic areas, the Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge can be a preferable option. This route covers approximately 30 miles according to Google Maps and takes around 45 minutes on average, depending on traffic conditions.

The Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge connects Trenton, New Jersey, to Freemansburg, Pennsylvania. For cars traveling from Chesterfield Township, a drive through this toll bridge is necessary. As of the latest update, the toll rates for this bridge are as follows:

  • Chesterfield Township Exit (Entering New Jersey): Tolls start at $1.00
  • Freemansburg Exit (Entering Pennsylvania): Tolls amount to $1.00

Considering the round trip, the total toll costs for this route would be $4.00. As with the previous routes, gas costs need to be taken into account. Assuming the same gas consumption rate (25 miles per gallon) and gas prices ($2.50 per gallon), the estimated gas cost for this route is approximately $4.80.

Adding the toll fees and gas expenses, the total cost of this trip via the Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge would be $8.80.

Route Recommendation

After considering the costs and distances of the different routes, the most cost-effective option is Route 3, utilizing the Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge. This route not only offers a shorter distance but also helps to minimize toll costs, which has a significant impact on the overall expenses. With a total cost of $8.80, this route emerges as the most economical choice.

Although Route 1 and Route 2 provide relatively comfortable travel experiences, their higher toll fees significantly contribute to a more expensive journey. Therefore, for budget-conscious travelers, the Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge route is highly recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip between Chesterfield Township, New Jersey, and Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, entails considering the costs associated with different routes and the fluctuating gas prices. After analyzing three potential routes, it is evident that the Trenton-Freemansburg Toll Bridge route stands out as the most cost-effective option, considering its shorter distance and lower toll costs.

By choosing this recommended route, travelers can anticipate spending a total of $8.80, inclusive of toll fees and gas expenses. Completing the journey in approximately 45 minutes, this route offers a reliable and budget-friendly way to travel between Chesterfield Township and Bensalem Township.