The Cost of Driving From Utica, NY to Williamsport, PA Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Utica, New York, to Williamsport, Pennsylvania? Whether you're heading there for a weekend getaway, visiting family, or exploring new places, driving can be an enjoyable and cost-effective way to travel. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, highlighting different routes, their distances, travel time, and the costs involved.
Route 1: The Direct Route
The direct route from Utica, NY, to Williamsport, PA takes you along I-90 W and I-86 W. This 204-mile journey typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Let's break down the costs:
- Distance: 204 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon (mpg)
- Gas Price: Currently, gas prices in the Utica area average around $2.85 per gallon.
To calculate the fuel cost, use the formula: (Distance / Fuel Efficiency) * Gas Price. Plug in the numbers, and you'll find that the estimated fuel cost for this direct route is approximately $55.20.
But wait, there's more to consider! Along the way, you'll encounter several tolls. The exact amount may vary, but on average, expect to pay around $20 in tolls. So, the total cost for this direct route, including fuel and tolls, would be approximately $75.20.
Route 2: The Scenic Detour
If you're in the mood for a leisurely drive and want to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way, consider taking a slight detour through the Finger Lakes region. This route adds a bit more distance to your journey but might be worth it for the picturesque landscapes. Here are the details:
- Distance: The detour adds approximately 30 miles to the direct route, making it a total of 234 miles.
- Travel Time: Expect the drive to take around 4 hours due to the additional distance and slower, scenic roads.
Considering the same fuel efficiency and gas prices mentioned earlier, the estimated fuel cost for this route comes to around $62.40. As for tolls, you'll encounter the same ones as the direct route, resulting in an additional $20.
Adding the fuel and toll costs together, this scenic detour would amount to approximately $82.40.
Route 3: The Efficient Shortcut
If you're looking to reach your destination quickly while optimizing fuel efficiency, taking a slightly different route could be the answer. By taking PA-11 S and I-476 S, you can bypass some traffic and save a few bucks on gas. Let's dive in:
- Distance: This alternative route spans approximately 194 miles, slightly shorter than the direct route.
- Travel Time: With less congestion and smoother traffic, this trip generally takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Using the same fuel efficiency and gas prices mentioned above, the estimated fuel cost for this efficient shortcut would be around $51.84. You'll still have to pay the same tolls as the direct route, amounting to an additional $20.
Considering fuel and toll costs, this efficient shortcut would total around $71.84.
Conclusion
So there you have it — the breakdown of driving costs from Utica, NY, to Williamsport, PA based on current gas prices. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the direct route for convenience, the scenic detour for a picturesque drive, or the efficient shortcut for a quicker journey. Regardless of the route you select, don't forget to consider factors like traffic, road conditions, and any unforeseen expenses along the way.
Safe travels and enjoy your trip!