Driving Cost from City of Rochester, New York to Ajax, Ontario

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Rochester, NY and Ajax, Ontario

Gas prices can significantly impact the cost of travel, especially on longer journeys. When planning a trip between the City of Rochester, New York, and Ajax, Ontario, it is important to consider the various routes available, their distances, and the associated expenses. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes, highlighting the costs involved based on current gas prices. By the end, we will recommend the best route for your journey and provide a conclusion with our estimated travel time.

Route 1: Taking the I-90 and QEW

The first route we will explore is the typical one taken by many travelers. It involves driving on the I-90, also known as the New York State Thruway, and then connecting to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) in Canada. This route is approximately 212 miles long and provides a relatively direct path between Rochester and Ajax.

To estimate the cost of this trip, we need to consider the current gas prices. As of writing this article, the average gas price in the United States is around $2.70 per gallon, while in Canada, it is approximately $1.35 per liter. To convert liters to gallons, we divide by 3.785. Let's assume our car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

The distance of 212 miles divided by 25 miles per gallon gives us 8.48 gallons of gas required for this route. Multiplying this by the average gas price of $2.70 per gallon, we get a total cost of $22.92 for gas in the United States. In Canada, we convert the gas price to gallons by dividing $1.35 per liter by 3.785, which equals $0.36 per gallon. With a total distance of 137 kilometers (or approximately 85 miles) within Canada, our car would consume around 3.4 gallons of gas. Hence, multiplying this by the gas price of $0.36 per gallon, we find the Canadian portion would cost an additional $1.22.

Route 2: Exploring the Scenic Route through Niagara Falls

For those who prefer a more scenic route, a journey through the world-famous Niagara Falls could be an exciting option. This route adds some extra mileage to the trip but offers breathtaking views of the falls along the way.

To embark on the scenic route, you can take the I-90 and then exit onto I-190 towards Niagara Falls. From there, cross the Rainbow Bridge and continue onto the QEW towards Ajax. The total distance for this route is approximately 251 miles.

Applying the same calculations as before, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we would require 10.04 gallons of gas for this route. At the average gas price of $2.70 per gallon in the United States, the US portion of the trip would cost $27.11. In Canada, the additional distance of approximately 164 kilometers (or about 102 miles) would require around 4.08 gallons of gas. At the Canadian gas price of $0.36 per gallon, the cost for this segment would be $1.47.

Route 3: Opting for the Fastest Route via Hamilton

If you prioritize speed and efficiency, another possible route is to drive through Hamilton, which offers a more direct connection between Rochester and Ajax. This route involves taking the QEW directly from Rochester to Hamilton and then continuing on to Ajax.

The distance between Rochester and Hamilton is around 108 miles, while the additional stretch from Hamilton to Ajax is approximately 59 miles, making a total distance of almost 167 miles.

Using the same fuel efficiency and gas prices as previously discussed, we require 6.68 gallons of gas for the US portion of the trip, with a cost of $18.05. In Canada, the 98 kilometers (or roughly 61 miles) from Hamilton to Ajax would consume around 2.44 gallons of gas, resulting in an additional cost of $0.88.

After exploring the different possible routes, it is important to weigh the cost and distance factors to determine the most suitable option. While the Niagara Falls scenic route may offer awe-inspiring views, it adds an additional 39 miles compared to the standard I-90 and QEW route. Conversely, the Hamilton route is the shortest distance-wise, but might not be as visually captivating as the Niagara Falls route.

Considering both the cost of gas and the total distance, it is clear that the standard I-90 and QEW route is the most economic choice. With a total cost of $24.14 (US portion: $22.92, Canadian portion: $1.22), this route strikes a good balance between affordability and efficiency.

Conclusion

To summarize, the recommended route for a trip between the City of Rochester, New York, and Ajax, Ontario, is to take the I-90 and QEW. This route spans approximately 212 miles and costs around $24.14 in gas expenses considering current prices. While alternative routes may provide captivating views or a shorter distance, the cost factor makes the recommended route the most practical choice.

Now that you have all the information you need, you can plan your trip accordingly. Safe travels!