The Cost of a Trip from Denville to Glen Rock, NJ: Navigating Your Route on a Budget
Planning a road trip between Denville and Glen Rock, New Jersey? Understanding the costs involved, especially in the context of fluctuating gas prices, plays a crucial role in budgeting your trip. This article examines different routes you can take, their respective distances, estimated costs based on current gas prices, and finally, we will recommend the best route to maximize both convenience and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding Fuel Costs
Before delving into specific routes, let's break down the fuel cost estimation. As of October 2023, the average gas price in New Jersey is approximately $3.50 per gallon. To calculate total fuel costs, we need to know the average miles per gallon (MPG) that your vehicle yields. For this article, we’ll assume a moderate fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, which is typical for many compact to mid-sized cars.
Calculating Fuel Costs
Total fuel cost can be calculated using the formula:
[ \text = \left( \frac{\text}{\text} \right) \times \text ]
Using the current gas price ($3.50) and the assumed fuel efficiency (25 MPG), you can adjust your estimated trip costs based on the total distance of your selected route.
Route 1: Denville to Glen Rock via I-287 S and I-80 E
Distance and Duration
The first route takes you via I-287 S and I-80 E. This is one of the most direct routes available.
- Distance: Approximately 26 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: About 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Fuel Cost Estimation
Using our earlier formula:
- Total Distance = 26 miles
- MPG = 25
- Gas Price = $3.50
[ \text = \left( \frac{26 \text}{25 \text} \right) \times 3.50 ] [ \text = 1.04 \text \times 3.50 = $3.64 ]
Summary
- Route: I-287 S to I-80 E
- Cost: Approximately $3.64
- Duration: 35-40 minutes
Route 2: Denville to Glen Rock via NJ-10 E and I-287 S
Distance and Duration
Another routing option is taking NJ-10 E followed by I-287 S. While slightly longer, it offers a glimpse of local scenery.
- Distance: Approximately 28 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: About 40-50 minutes.
Fuel Cost Estimation
Calculate costs again:
[ \text = \left( \frac{28 \text}{25 \text} \right) \times 3.50 ] [ \text = 1.12 \text \times 3.50 = $3.92 ]
Summary
- Route: NJ-10 E to I-287 S
- Cost: Approximately $3.92
- Duration: 40-50 minutes
Route 3: Denville to Glen Rock via US-46 E
Distance and Duration
US-46 also provides a viable route, connecting suburbia with a mix of open roads and local traffic.
- Distance: Approximately 24 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: About 35-45 minutes.
Fuel Cost Estimation
Using our formula again:
[ \text = \left( \frac{24 \text}{25 \text} \right) \times 3.50 ] [ \text = 0.96 \text \times 3.50 = $3.36 ]
Summary
- Route: US-46 E
- Cost: Approximately $3.36
- Duration: 35-45 minutes
Making the Right Choice
Now that we have examined multiple routes, here's how they stack up against each other based on cost and convenience:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Cost | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-287 S and I-80 E | 26 | $3.64 | 35-40 min |
| NJ-10 E and I-287 S | 28 | $3.92 | 40-50 min |
| US-46 E | 24 | $3.36 | 35-45 min |
Recommended Route
The best route for your trip is via US-46 E. While this route is shorter, it also offers the lowest overall cost at approximately $3.36. Moreover, drive times are comparable to the other routes, making it a win-win.
Conclusion
Driving from Denville, NJ, to Glen Rock, NJ, requires careful planning to ensure you get the best cost for your trip. By choosing the route via US-46 E, you can expect a travel time of around 35-45 minutes, with an estimated fuel cost of approximately $3.36. This simple planning step not only optimizes your travel expenses but also sets the stage for an enjoyable journey through New Jersey’s beautiful suburban landscape. Happy driving!