The Cost of a Trip Between Columbia, Maryland and West Chester, Pennsylvania

If you're planning a trip between Columbia, Maryland and West Chester, Pennsylvania, you might be wondering about the cost of getting there, especially with current gas prices. There are a few different routes you can take, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we'll break down the various routes, their costs, and the recommended route for your journey.

Route 1: I-95 N and I-476 N

This route takes you through Baltimore and then up through Philadelphia before reaching West Chester. The total distance for this route is approximately 120 miles, and with current gas prices at an average of $3.00 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $15-20 each way, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Route 2: US-29 N and US-1 N

If you prefer to avoid the tolls on I-95, you can take a more scenic route through Ellicott City and then up through Chadds Ford before reaching West Chester. This route is slightly longer, coming in at around 130 miles, but could save you a few dollars in tolls. With current gas prices, you can expect to spend around $18-25 each way on fuel.

Route 3: MD-32 W and US-1 S

For a more direct route, you can take MD-32 W and then head south on US-1, which will take you straight into West Chester. This route is the shortest at approximately 100 miles, but keep in mind that it may not be the most fuel-efficient route, as it involves some winding roads through the countryside. With current gas prices, you can expect to spend around $12-18 each way on fuel.

Recommended Route

Based on the distance, cost, and fuel efficiency, the recommended route for your trip between Columbia, Maryland and West Chester, Pennsylvania is Route 1: I-95 N and I-476 N. While there are tolls on this route, the overall distance and fuel efficiency make it the most cost-effective option for your journey.

Conclusion

After considering the different routes and their costs, the best route for your trip is the I-95 N and I-476 N route. With current gas prices, you can expect to spend around $15-20 each way on fuel for the approximately 120-mile journey. Safe travels!