The Cost of Driving from Damascus to Edgewater: Budgeting Your Road Trip
Planning a road trip can be as exciting as it is daunting, especially when you want to keep an eye on your budget. If you’re considering a drive from Damascus, Maryland, to Edgewater, Maryland, it’s essential to understand the distances you'll cover, the time you'll spend, and most importantly, the costs involved. In this post, we’ll dive into possible routes, current gas prices, and estimated expenses to ensure your trip is smooth and budget-friendly.
Route 1: I-270 S and US-50 E
One of the most straightforward paths from Damascus to Edgewater is via I-270 S and US-50 E.
- Distance: Approximately 43 miles
- Time: Roughly 50 minutes
The highway gives you a chance to enjoy well-paved roads and quicker travel times. On average, drivers in this area report gas prices around $3.60 per gallon. If your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 1.72 gallons for this trip.
Now, let’s break down the cost of gas:
- Gas required: 1.72 gallons
- Total gas cost: 1.72 gallons x $3.60/gallon = $6.19
Additionally, keep in mind that there are no tolls on this route, making it a cost-effective choice!
Route 2: MD-97 S and MD-50 E
Another popular route is to take MD-97 S, which leads you through scenic Maryland countryside before joining up with MD-50 E towards Edgewater.
- Distance: Approximately 45 miles
- Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes
This route is slightly longer, but the views make it worthwhile. With current gas prices still hovering around $3.60 per gallon, driving 45 miles requires about 1.8 gallons of gas if you're maintaining that same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.
The cost summary is as follows:
- Gas required: 1.8 gallons
- Total gas cost: 1.8 gallons x $3.60/gallon = $6.48
This route also does not have any tolls.
Route 3: I-95 S and MD-50 E
For those who prefer faster highways, taking I-95 S can be a good alternative, even if it requires a bit more mileage.
- Distance: Approximately 48 miles
- Time: Around 55 minutes
While this route may take a bit longer than the I-270 route, it might save you some time during peak hours. The gas price remains the same at $3.60 per gallon. If you take this route, you will need about 1.92 gallons of fuel.
Calculating your cost:
- Gas required: 1.92 gallons
- Total gas cost: 1.92 gallons x $3.60/gallon = $6.91
Note that traveling this way may incorporate minor tolls depending on how you navigate.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you choose the scenic view along MD-97 or the quicker highway options, this drive from Damascus to Edgewater can be done affordably. Here are the gas costs for each route at current prices:
- I-270 S and US-50 E: $6.19
- MD-97 S and MD-50 E: $6.48
- I-95 S and MD-50 E: $6.91
No matter which route you pick, planning ahead guarantees that your trip will be enjoyable and within your budget. Happy travels!