The Cost of Driving from Detroit, Michigan to Paterson, New Jersey: A Gas Price Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Detroit to Paterson? Exciting, isn’t it? Whether it's for family, business, or just a scenic drive, understanding the costs can make your journey a whole lot smoother. With current gas prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon, let’s break down the different routes you can take, along with the respective costs in fuel and tolls.

Route 1: I-80 E

Starting off with one of the most straightforward routes, Route 1 follows I-80 E and spans a distance of approximately 620 miles. This drive typically takes around 9 hours without major stops.

To calculate the gas cost, we can assume your vehicle averages about 25 miles per gallon. For this distance, you'll need roughly 24.8 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, your gas expense will be about $87.80.

Remember to factor in tolls, which on this route will be around $35. So, in total, your journey on I-80 E would cost around $122.80 for gas and tolls combined. Not too shabby for a long drive!

Route 2: I-90 E and I-287 S

If you find yourself in the mood for a slightly longer, but equally intriguing drive, consider Route 2. Taking I-90 E and I-287 S adds some miles but offers beautiful scenery along the way. The total distance here is approximately 640 miles, and expect to spend about 10 hours on the road.

Again using a 25 miles per gallon fuel economy, you’ll use about 25.6 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, that comes to around $89.60. The tolls on this route amount to about $40. Therefore, your total cost would be about $129.60 for gas and tolls combined.

Route 3: I-75 S and I-80 E

Looking for yet another option? Route 3 might just be what you need. This path utilizes I-75 S and then shifts to I-80 E. The travel distance here is around 600 miles and usually takes about 8.5 hours.

For your fuel calculations, you'll consume around 24 gallons of gas. With gas prices at $3.50 per gallon, that’s about $84 for the trip. Toss in approximately $30 for tolls, and your total comes to around $114.

Conclusion

Overall, when planning your road trip from Detroit to Paterson, you'll need to consider several different routes, each offering its unique landscapes and sights. From Route 1 costing around $122.80 to Route 3 for about $114, you have plenty of options to suit your budget and time.

Ultimately, fluctuating gas prices and changing toll rates mean you should always check the current rates before leaving. Safe travels, and enjoy your journey to Paterson!