The Cost of a Road Trip: Dacorum to Stewartby with Current Gas Prices
Traveling between Dacorum, England, and Stewartby, England, can be an exciting journey filled with beautiful landscapes and charming towns. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to understand the cost implications, especially with fluctuating gas prices. Let’s delve into the various routes you can take, their distances, potential costs, and find out which is the best option for your trip.
Overview of the Journey
The distance between Dacorum and Stewartby is approximately 60 miles, which makes it a manageable trip for a day’s outing or weekend getaway. Given the current gas prices, understanding the most economical route is vital. In the UK, petrol prices can vary considerably, but as of now, the average price for unleaded petrol is around £1.50 per liter.
Let’s explore the different routes, their distance, driving times, fuel costs, and the best option for your trip.
Route 1: Dacorum to Stewartby via the M1
Distance and Driving Time
The most straightforward route is to travel via the M1 motorway. Starting from Dacorum, you would connect to the M1 southbound. This route covers approximately 59 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
Fuel Costs Calculation
- Distance: 59 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon (mpg).
- Total gallons needed: 59 miles / 35 mpg = 1.68 gallons
- Conversion to liters: 1.68 gallons x 4.54609 = 7.63 liters
- Total cost of fuel: 7.63 liters x £1.50 = £11.45
So, if you choose this route, expect to spend around £11.45 on fuel costs.
Route 2: Dacorum to Stewartby via the A5
Distance and Driving Time
Another option is to take the A5 road. This route is slightly longer at around 63 miles and usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Fuel Costs Calculation
- Distance: 63 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: Assuming the same fuel efficiency of 35 mpg.
- Total gallons needed: 63 miles / 35 mpg = 1.80 gallons
- Conversion to liters: 1.80 gallons x 4.54609 = 8.16 liters
- Total fuel cost: 8.16 liters x £1.50 = £12.24
If you opt for this route, your fuel cost would be roughly £12.24.
Route 3: Dacorum to Stewartby via the A41 and M1
Distance and Driving Time
A more scenic alternative is to take the A41 to join the M1. This option spans roughly 62 miles and will typically take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Fuel Costs Calculation
- Distance: 62 miles
- Fuel Efficiency: Maintaining the fuel efficiency of 35 mpg.
- Total gallons needed: 62 miles / 35 mpg = 1.77 gallons
- Conversion to liters: 1.77 gallons x 4.54609 = 8.04 liters
- Total fuel cost: 8.04 liters x £1.50 = £12.06
With this route, your fuel expense will come to approximately £12.06.
Summary of Routes and Costs
Below is a summary table for quick reference of all route options:
Route | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Time (Hours) | Fuel Cost (£) |
---|---|---|---|
M1 Direct | 59 | 1:15 | 11.45 |
A5 Route | 63 | 1:30 | 12.24 |
A41 to M1 | 62 | 1:20 | 12.06 |
Recommended Route
Given the options above, the best route from Dacorum to Stewartby is via the M1 motorway. It provides the shortest distance, quick travel time, and the lowest fuel cost at £11.45. This route combines efficiency with a straightforward path to your destination, making it the most suitable choice for most travelers.
Additional Considerations
While the travel and fuel costs are crucial, consider other aspects of your journey, such as tolls, rest stops, and traffic conditions. Road trips often include unplanned expenses, like food or accommodations, particularly if you encounter delays or decide to explore more along the way.
Driving during off-peak hours can significantly reduce travel times and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, using navigation apps can help you avoid traffic congestion and identify the best routes in real-time.
Conclusion
The trip from Dacorum to Stewartby offers a manageable distance and a range of route options. By traveling via the M1, you can complete the journey in about 1 hour and 15 minutes while spending approximately £11.45 on fuel. This path allows you to enjoy a pleasant ride while keeping costs low. Whichever route you choose, prepare to explore the beautiful English countryside and enjoy the freedom of the road.