The Cost of a Trip between Ithaca, NY and East Islip, NY based on Current Gas Prices
Introduction
Planning a trip between the City of Ithaca, New York, and East Islip, New York? One major consideration in the planning process is determining the cost of the trip, especially with the fluctuating gas prices. This article aims to provide you with an overview of the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each, in order to make an informed decision. So, buckle up and let's explore the various options!
Route Options
Route 1: The Eastern Route
The first option for travelers is taking the eastern route. This route primarily utilizes Interstate 88 and Interstate 81 for most of the journey. Let's break down the cost and distance for each leg of the trip:
- Distance between Ithaca, NY, and the I-88 junction: approximately 64 miles
- Distance between the I-88 junction and East Islip, NY: roughly 239 miles
Based on the current average gas prices of $2.50 per gallon, let's estimate the cost for each leg of this route:
- Total distance: 64 miles + 239 miles = 303 miles
- Estimated fuel efficiency: 25 miles per gallon (mpg)
Using the formula: Cost = (Distance / Fuel Efficiency) * Average Gas Price, we can calculate the costs:
- Cost of driving from Ithaca to the I-88 junction: (64 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $6.40
- Cost of driving from the I-88 junction to East Islip: (239 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $23.90
Therefore, the total cost for this eastern route would be approximately $30.30.
Route 2: The Central Route
The second option is the central route, which involves mainly using Interstate 81. Let's take a closer look at the cost and distance for each segment of this route:
- Distance between Ithaca, NY, and the I-81 junction: approximately 47 miles
- Distance between the I-81 junction and East Islip, NY: roughly 256 miles
Using the same formula as before, and considering the current average gas prices, let's calculate the costs for the central route:
Total distance: 47 miles + 256 miles = 303 miles
Estimated fuel efficiency: 25 mpg
Cost of driving from Ithaca to the I-81 junction: (47 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $4.70
Cost of driving from the I-81 junction to East Islip: (256 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $25.60
The total cost for the central route would amount to approximately $30.30.
Route 3: The Western Route
The third option for travelers is the western route, mainly utilizing Interstate 90 and Interstate 495. Let's break down the cost and distance for this route:
- Distance between Ithaca, NY, and the I-90 junction: approximately 112 miles
- Distance between the I-90 junction and East Islip, NY: roughly 141 miles
Again, applying the same formula with the current average gas prices, we can calculate the costs for each leg of this route:
Total distance: 112 miles + 141 miles = 253 miles
Estimated fuel efficiency: 25 mpg
Cost of driving from Ithaca to the I-90 junction: (112 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $12.60
Cost of driving from the I-90 junction to East Islip: (141 miles / 25 mpg) * $2.50 per gallon = $14.10
Therefore, the total cost for the western route would be approximately $26.70.
Recommending the Best Route
Assessing the cost and distance of each route, as well as the current gas prices, it is evident that the western route offers the most cost-effective option. With a total estimated cost of $26.70, this route can help save a few dollars compared to the eastern and central routes, which both have an approximate cost of $30.30. Additionally, with a total distance of 253 miles, the western route is the shortest and quickest option for your trip between Ithaca, NY, and East Islip, NY.
Conclusion
After considering the different route options and their associated costs, the western route stands out as the most favorable choice for travelers journeying between Ithaca, NY, and East Islip, NY. It offers the shortest distance and provides a cost-effective solution with an estimated total expense of $26.70, based on current gas prices. So, hop in your car, take the western route, and enjoy a smooth and affordable trip that will take approximately X hours to complete. Safe travels!