Budgeting Your Drive: Cost from Derwood, MD to Raleigh, NC at Current Gas Prices
Taking a road trip from Derwood, Maryland, to Raleigh, North Carolina can be an exciting adventure! However, before you hit the road, it's essential to plan your expenses. Let's dive into the costs associated with this trip based on current gas prices and explore a couple of routes you can take.
Route 1: I-95 South
One popular route is to head south on I-95. This route is fairly straightforward and offers a scenic journey.
- Distance: 270 miles
- Estimated Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Gas Prices: Currently, gas prices hover around $3.20 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you would need around 11 gallons for this trip. That puts the gas cost at approximately $35.20.
- Tolls: Be aware that there's a toll in certain areas. Expect to spend around $5.00 in tolls.
Total Cost for Route 1: $40.20
Route 2: I-85 South
Another option is to take I-85 south, which may take you a bit longer, but it sometimes offers more scenic views and less traffic.
- Distance: 285 miles
- Estimated Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
- Gas Prices: With the same gas price of $3.20 per gallon, and with your vehicle's fuel efficiency remaining at 25 miles per gallon, you would use about 11.4 gallons. Thus, the gas cost would be around $36.48.
- Tolls: This route generally avoids tolls, making it a budget-friendly option.
Total Cost for Route 2: $36.48
Route Comparison
Summary of Costs:
Route 1 (I-95 South):
- Total Distance: 270 miles
- Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Total Cost: $40.20
Route 2 (I-85 South):
- Total Distance: 285 miles
- Total Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
- Total Cost: $36.48
Decision Time!
By comparing these two routes, you can clearly see that while Route 1 is slightly shorter in distance and time, it comes with a higher total cost mainly due to gas and tolls. Alternatively, Route 2 provides a more economical choice, albeit with a little longer travel time.
Whichever route you choose, happy travels! Don't forget to pack some snacks and enjoy the journey down to beautiful Raleigh, North Carolina!