The Cost of a Trip Between Dunkirk, New York and Williamsburg, Virginia
Are you planning a trip from Dunkirk, New York to Williamsburg, Virginia? One of the crucial factors to consider when embarking on a road trip is the cost. Gas prices fluctuate, affecting your overall trip expenses. In this article, we will explore the cost of various routes between Dunkirk and Williamsburg based on current gas prices, helping you make an informed decision and save some money along the way.
Route Options and Costs
Route 1: Via I-86 E and I-79 S (735 miles)
The most direct route from Dunkirk to Williamsburg is via I-86 E and I-79 S. This route covers a total distance of approximately 735 miles. However, it's important to consider the gas prices in each state along the way.
Dunkirk, NY to Erie, PA (70 miles)
The journey begins by heading south on NY-60 S and connecting to I-86 E. The first significant stop is Erie, PA. With gas prices averaging around $2.85 per gallon in New York and $2.75 per gallon in Pennsylvania, you can estimate the fuel cost for this leg of the trip. Assuming your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will consume approximately 2.8 gallons of gas, costing around $7.98.
Erie, PA to Pittsburgh, PA (129 miles)
Continuing southeast on I-79 S, the next major city on this route is Pittsburgh, PA. Gas prices in Pennsylvania average around $2.75 per gallon, similar to the previous leg. With a distance of 129 miles, you would require approximately 5.16 gallons of fuel, costing roughly $14.19.
Pittsburgh, PA to Charleston, WV (245 miles)
Once in Pittsburgh, you'll need to take I-76 E and join I-79 S again to reach Charleston, West Virginia. Gas prices in West Virginia hover around $2.67 per gallon. Based on the distance of 245 miles, you would consume about 9.8 gallons of gas, costing around $26.17.
Charleston, WV to Roanoke, VA (207 miles)
From Charleston, West Virginia, follow I-77 S and then I-81 S towards Roanoke, Virginia. In West Virginia, gas prices are slightly lower, averaging around $2.65 per gallon. With a distance of 207 miles, you would consume approximately 8.28 gallons of fuel, costing roughly $21.93.
Roanoke, VA to Williamsburg, VA (84 miles)
The final leg of the journey will take you from Roanoke, Virginia to your destination, Williamsburg. Continue south on I-81 S until you reach I-64 E, which will lead you to Williamsburg. Gas prices in Virginia tend to be slightly higher, averaging around $2.80 per gallon. With a distance of 84 miles, you would require approximately 3.36 gallons of gas, costing around $9.41.
Route 2: Via I-86 E and I-95 S (825 miles)
An alternative route to consider is traveling via I-86 E and I-95 S. While slightly longer in distance, different gas prices along this route may impact the overall cost of your trip.
Dunkirk, NY to Erie, PA (70 miles)
Follow the same initial leg as in Route 1.
Erie, PA to Pittsburgh, PA (129 miles)
Follow the same path as in Route 1.
Pittsburgh, PA to Morgantown, WV (76 miles)
Rather than continuing on I-79 S, take I-70 E and I-68 E towards Morgantown, West Virginia. In Pennsylvania, gas prices average around $2.75 per gallon, costing you around $6.92 for the 76-mile journey.
Morgantown, WV to Winchester, VA (123 miles)
From Morgantown, take I-68 E and then I-70 E to connect with I-81 S towards Winchester, Virginia. In West Virginia, gas prices average around $2.67 per gallon. With a distance of 123 miles, you would consume approximately 4.62 gallons of fuel, costing roughly $12.33.
Winchester, VA to Williamsburg, VA (427 miles)
The final leg of this route will lead you from Winchester to Williamsburg, traveling almost the entire length of Virginia. Continue south on I-81 S until you reach I-64 E, which will take you to your destination. As mentioned earlier, gas prices in Virginia average around $2.80 per gallon. With a distance of 427 miles, you would consume approximately 17 gallons of gas, costing around $47.60.
The Best Route and Cost Comparison
After analyzing the two possible routes, it is evident that the first route, covering a total distance of 735 miles, proves to be slightly more cost-effective based on current gas prices. The estimated fuel cost for this route, considering the average gas prices along the way and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, totals approximately $79.68.
The second route, spanning a greater distance of 825 miles, has an estimated fuel cost of approximately $93.35. Even though it is marginally longer, the overall cost difference is almost $14.67 more than the first route.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best route from Dunkirk, New York, to Williamsburg, Virginia, based on current gas prices, is via I-86 E and I-79 S. This route, covering a total distance of 735 miles, offers a cost advantage compared to the slightly longer alternative route. With an estimated fuel cost of around $79.68, assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can plan your journey and budget accordingly.
Keep in mind that these cost estimations are based on current average gas prices, and prices may vary over time. Additionally, factors such as traffic, vehicle fuel efficiency, and personal driving habits can further influence your expenses.