Driving Cost from Dover, Delaware to Parkersburg, West Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Dover, Delaware to Parkersburg, West Virginia: A Road Trip Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Dover, Delaware, to Parkersburg, West Virginia? You're in for an adventure! But before you hit the road, it's important to pin down the cost of the journey. With gas prices fluctuating, knowing your expenses can make a big difference. Let’s break down a couple of common routes, examine the distances, estimated travel times, and of course, the costs associated with each.

Route 1: I-70 W via I-81 S

The first option to consider is taking I-70 W via I-81 S. This route is a popular choice due to its relatively straightforward path and minimal tolls.

  • Distance: about 400 miles
  • Time: approximately 6 hours
  • Gas Cost: With current gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 16 gallons of gas. That brings your total gas cost to about $56.

Additionally, there are no significant tolls on this route, which is a nice bonus!

Route 2: I-95 S and I-68 W

Another scenic route to consider is taking I-95 S and I-68 W. This route adds some beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains, making it an excellent choice if you want a little fun along the way.

  • Distance: approximately 415 miles
  • Time: around 6 hours and 30 minutes
  • Gas Cost: Again, assuming gas prices are roughly $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll use about 16.6 gallons of gas. Therefore, your gas expenditure will be about $58.

However, this route does feature a couple of small tolls along I-68. Depending on how many tolls you encounter, you could expect to pay around $10 total.

Calculating the Total Trip Cost

To sum up the costs:

  • Route 1 Total Cost:

    • Gas: $56
    • Tolls: $0
    • Total: $56

  • Route 2 Total Cost:

    • Gas: $58
    • Tolls: $10
    • Total: $68

Final Thoughts

Both routes offer their unique benefits, so your choice might depend on your preferences for scenery or minimizing costs. Remember, these estimates can change based on gas prices, tolls, and possibly even detours along your journey. Regardless of the route you take, planning ahead to factor in these costs will ensure a smoother ride. So pack your bags, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the ride from Dover to Parkersburg! Safe travels!