Road Trip Costs: Driving from Delaware Township, PA to Alexandria, VA

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it often comes with questions, especially regarding costs and logistics. If you’re getting ready to hit the road from Delaware Township, Pennsylvania, to Alexandria, Virginia, let’s break it down. We'll examine different routes you can take, their distances, durations, and, of course, the cost associated with fuel and tolls based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-95 South

Distance and Time

The most straightforward route is driving via I-95 South, which covers a distance of approximately 180 miles. If you leave early, you can expect to arrive in about 3 hours during non-peak hours.

Cost Breakdown

Now, let’s talk about costs. As of now, the average price of gasoline in Pennsylvania is around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gives you around 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 7.2 gallons of gas for the trip.

Gas cost: 7.2 gallons × $3.50 = $25.20.

Additionally, if we consider tolls along I-95, factors like the Fort McHenry Tunnel and others can add up. Expect to pay around $10 in tolls, bringing your total trip cost on this route to approximately $35.20.

Route 2: US-1 South

Distance and Time

Another option is taking US-1 South, which measures about 190 miles. With a bit of highway driving mixed with local roads, you can make this trip in about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Cost Breakdown

Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon, your vehicle will consume around 7.6 gallons for the longer distance.

Gas cost: 7.6 gallons × $3.50 = $26.60.

What about tolls? Good news here—this route tends to have fewer tolls, so you might spend around $5. This brings the estimated total cost for this route to around $31.60.

Route 3: I-295 and I-95 Combo

Distance and Time

For a scenic detour, consider the I-295 and I-95 combo. This route leads you through some lovely Virginia countryside, covering a distance of about 200 miles. It’s a longer drive, typically taking around 4 hours.

Cost Breakdown

Again using the average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, you would need approximately 8 gallons of gas.

Gas cost: 8 gallons × $3.50 = $28.00.

Tolls on this route are moderate, potentially costing you about $8, leading to a total estimated cost of $36.00.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of your trip from Delaware Township, PA, to Alexandria, VA, varies depending on the route you choose. The quick and economical option might be I-95 South for about $35.20, while the US-1 South route offers a more leisurely pace at around $31.60. Meanwhile, the scenic I-295 and I-95 combo comes to an estimated total of $36.00.

With everything laid out, you can choose what suits your travel style and budget best. Safe travels and enjoy the journey! 🛣️