Driving Cost from Danville, Virginia to Upper Marlboro, Maryland

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The Cost of a Trip from Danville, Virginia to Upper Marlboro, Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip involves more than just packing your bags; it requires a detailed budget that factors in fuel costs, distances, and even the time you’ll spend on the road. If you’re considering a road trip from Danville, Virginia, to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, understanding the costs involved can help you make informed choices. With the fluctuating gas prices, distance, and available routes, it’s crucial to calculate what your trip will look like both financially and in terms of travel time. In this article, we will explore different routes, their costs, and how to optimize your journey.

Overview of the Journey

The distance between Danville and Upper Marlboro is approximately 210 miles. Although the exact distance can vary based on the route you choose, knowing the estimated mileage and fuel prices will help you budget appropriately for your trip.

Estimating Fuel Costs

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Virginia is around $3.20 per gallon, while in Maryland, it's approximately $3.40 per gallon. Given that the typical vehicle fuel efficiency ranges from 20 to 30 miles per gallon, you can calculate an estimated fuel cost based on the route taken.

Here’s a cost breakdown based on an average vehicle getting 25 miles per gallon:

  1. Total Distance: 210 miles
  2. Total Gallons Needed: ( \frac{210 \text}{25 \text} = 8.4 \text )
  3. Estimated Fuel Cost (based on Virginia prices): ( 8.4 \text \times $3.20 \approx $26.88 )
  4. Estimated Fuel Cost (based on Maryland prices): ( 8.4 \text \times $3.40 \approx $28.56 )

So, depending on where you fill up, your fuel costs will range approximately from $26.88 to $28.56.

Routes to Consider

Route 1: I-85 North and I-95 North

This route covers around 240 miles and is one of the fastest options, taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes without heavy traffic. Here are the specifics:

  1. Drive from Danville to I-85 North: 30 miles
  2. I-85 North to I-95 North: 150 miles
  3. I-95 North to Upper Marlboro: 60 miles

Total Fuel Cost:

  • ( \frac{240 \text}{25 \text} = 9.6 \text )
  • Estimated cost is between $30.72 (Virginia gas prices) and $32.64 (Maryland gas prices).

Route 2: US-29 North to I-66 East

This route covers approximately 220 miles and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes. It’s scenic and more direct, primarily using US highways:

  1. Drive from Danville to US-29 North: 50 miles
  2. US-29 North to I-66 East: 120 miles
  3. I-66 East to Upper Marlboro: 50 miles

Total Fuel Cost:

  • ( \frac{220 \text}{25 \text} = 8.8 \text )
  • Estimated cost between $28.16 (Virginia gas prices) and $29.92 (Maryland gas prices).

Route 3: I-581 North to I-64 East

This route is about 230 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, making it less favorable for budget-conscious travelers.

  1. Drive from Danville to I-581 North: 40 miles
  2. I-581 North to I-64 East: 160 miles
  3. I-64 East to Upper Marlboro: 30 miles

Total Fuel Cost:

  • ( \frac{230 \text}{25 \text} = 9.2 \text )
  • Estimated cost between $29.44 (Virginia gas prices) and $31.28 (Maryland gas prices).

Comparison of Routes

Route Distance (miles) Estimated Time (hours) Estimated Fuel Cost (Virginia) Estimated Fuel Cost (Maryland)
I-85 North / I-95 North 240 4.5 $30.72 $32.64
US-29 North / I-66 East 220 4.25 $28.16 $29.92
I-581 North / I-64 East 230 4.75 $29.44 $31.28

Upon evaluating the distances, time, and overall costs, the US-29 North to I-66 East route emerges as the optimal choice. With a distance of around 220 miles and an estimated travel time of just 4 hours and 15 minutes, it minimizes both fuel costs and time on the road. Additionally, this route offers a pleasant driving experience through the scenic Virginia countryside before transitioning to the interstate.

Conclusion

The road trip from Danville, Virginia, to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, offers a variety of routes to explore, each with its distinct advantages and costs. By choosing the US-29 North to I-66 East, you’ll enjoy a blend of efficiency and affordability, spending roughly $28 to $30 on fuel, and completing the journey in about 4 hours and 15 minutes. A well-planned trip not only saves money but also maximizes your travel experience!