Road Trip Costs: A Journey from Deal to South Toms River, NJ Based on Current Gas Prices
A trip from Deal, New Jersey, to South Toms River, NJ, may seem straightforward, but several routes offer varying lengths, travel times, and fuel costs. This article breaks down each potential route and informs travelers about current gas prices, making it easier to plan for this local journey.
Current Gas Prices
Before delving into the routes, it’s essential to look at the current state of gas prices in New Jersey. As of October 2023, the average price of regular gasoline hovers around $3.30 per gallon. This figure will serve as a basis for calculating the travel costs along different routes.
To estimate fuel costs for this trip, we’ll assume the average fuel economy of a typical vehicle is about 25 miles per gallon (mpg). This estimation simplifies calculations for a more straightforward comparison.
The Journey Overview
The trip from Deal to South Toms River spans approximately 40 miles depending on the chosen route. Travelers can explore various options: the Garden State Parkway, Route 70, or a scenic detour via Route 35. We will analyze each of these routes based on distance, fuel costs, and travel time.
Route 1: Garden State Parkway
Distance: Approximately 42 miles
Travel Time: About 50 minutes (without traffic)
Fuel Cost:
- Calculate gallons needed: ( \text / \text = 42 \text / 25 \text = 1.68 \text )
- Cost of fuel: ( \text \times \text = 1.68 \text \times $3.30 \text \approx $5.54 )
The Garden State Parkway is a fast and convenient option, especially when traveling during off-peak hours. This route is ideal for those looking to minimize travel time. However, keep in mind that weekends and holidays can lead to congestion, potentially increasing travel time considerably.
Route 2: Route 70
Distance: Approximately 37 miles
Travel Time: About 45 minutes (without traffic)
Fuel Cost:
- Calculate gallons needed: ( 37 \text / 25 \text = 1.48 \text )
- Cost of fuel: ( 1.48 \text \times $3.30 \approx $4.88 )
Route 70 offers a slightly shorter distance compared to the Parkway and also has less engagement with tolls and heavy traffic. This is a more scenic and leisurely drive, with options to stop along the way at parks or local attractions.
Route 3: Route 35
Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Travel Time: About 55 minutes (without traffic)
Fuel Cost:
- Calculate gallons needed: ( 40 \text / 25 \text = 1.6 \text )
- Cost of fuel: ( 1.6 \text \times $3.30 \approx $5.28 )
Route 35 runs along the coast, providing beautiful views, especially during sunset. While this option may be a little longer in terms of travel time due to potential traffic, it rewards passengers with serene scenery. Travelers may also find charming seaside spots to enjoy along the way.
Summary of Costs
Let’s summarize the key details and costs for each route:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Travel Time (minutes) | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | 42 | 50 | $5.54 |
| Route 70 | 37 | 45 | $4.88 |
| Route 35 | 40 | 55 | $5.28 |
Recommended Route
Given the above details, Route 70 emerges as the best choice for this trip. It’s the shortest distance, slightly more economical, and boasts a very reasonable travel time of about 45 minutes. The opportunity to enjoy the surroundings makes it an attractive option for individuals or families looking to make the most out of their journey.
Consider Transport and Tolls
While most routes do not incur significant toll fees, the Garden State Parkway often requires toll payments when traveling in certain directions. It’s worth considering these costs during travel planning. Another option is using a carpool or ride-share service, alleviating individual gas costs while enhancing the journey experience.
Conclusion
Traveling from Deal, NJ, to South Toms River can be accomplished smoothly in about 45 minutes through Route 70, dealing with minimal traffic and costs. With gas prices around $3.30 per gallon, expect to spend roughly $4.88 on fuel for this trip. Opting for this route means enjoying a faster trip while also experiencing some of what New Jersey has to offer along the way.