Driving Cost from Downe Township, New Jersey to Englewood, Tennessee

A picture depicting a gas pump

Costs of a Road Trip from Downe Township, NJ to Englewood, TN: Navigating the Price of Gas

Planning a road trip can get complicated, especially when it comes to estimating costs and determining the best route. If you're contemplating a journey from Downe Township, New Jersey, to Englewood, Tennessee, you'll want to take a close look at the distance, potential routes, and current gas prices to create the most cost-effective travel plan. This article breaks down the different routes, their costs based on the latest gas prices, and offers recommendations for the best travel option.

Overview of the Trip

This road trip covers a significant distance, approximately 700 to 800 miles, depending on the chosen route. Currently, the average price of regular gasoline in the United States hovers around $3.50 per gallon, though prices can fluctuate based on regional factors and gas station competition.

To maintain the efficiency of your trip, we will examine several common routes to Englewood, Tennessee, and calculate the gas expenses based on the distance of each route.

Possible Routes from Downe Township to Englewood

Route 1: I-95 South to I-81 South

  1. Distance: Approximately 750 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 11 hours
  3. Route Description: Departure via NJ-55 to I-95 South. Merge into I-81 South near Harrisburg, PA, and follow I-81 through Virginia. Follow signs toward I-40 West, and finally, take local roads into Englewood.

Fuel Cost Calculation

  • Average Fuel Economy: Assuming a fuel-efficient vehicle, average approximately 25 miles per gallon (mpg).
  • Total Gallons Needed: 750 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 30 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost: 30 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $105

Route 2: I-295 South to I-64 West

  1. Distance: Approximately 740 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 10 hours and 30 minutes
  3. Route Description: Depart from Downe Township to I-295 South, then merge into I-64 West. Follow through Virginia and Kentucky before merging onto I-75 South, leading you toward Englewood.

Fuel Cost Calculation

  • Average Fuel Economy: Using the same vehicle, average 25 mpg.
  • Total Gallons Needed: 740 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 29.6 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost: 29.6 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $103.60

Route 3: US-40 West

  1. Distance: Approximately 800 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 12 hours
  3. Route Description: Starting on local roads, connect to US-40 West, traveling through states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia and connecting to I-75 South near the end.

Fuel Cost Calculation

  • Average Fuel Economy: Continuing with 25 mpg.
  • Total Gallons Needed: 800 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 32 gallons
  • Total Fuel Cost: 32 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $112

Summary of Costs per Route

Route Distance Estimated Fuel Cost
I-95 South to I-81 South 750 miles $105
I-295 South to I-64 West 740 miles $103.60
US-40 West 800 miles $112

Recommendations

After evaluating the multiple route options, the most cost-effective travel plan involves taking Route 2: I-295 South to I-64 West. This route not only offers the least travel distance (740 miles) but also results in the lowest fuel expense of $103.60 based on current gas prices. This route balances an impressive driving time of just over 10.5 hours and leads through diverse landscapes that contribute to a pleasant driving experience.

Additional Costs to Consider

While gas prices greatly influence your travel budget, don’t forget to account for other expenses incurred on road trips. Here are a few to consider:

  1. Food and Drink: Plan an average cost of $10 to $15 per meal. If you travel over 10 hours, consider two meals at a total cost of $30 to $60.

  2. Accommodations: If you decide to break up the journey with an overnight stay, budget for accommodation costs, ranging from $60 to $150 per night, depending on your preference for hotels or motels.

  3. Tolls: Check for any tolls along your route. Depending on your chosen paths, you might incur a fee, so set aside another $20 to $30 for these expenses.

  4. Emergency Fund: It’s wise to keep funds set aside for unexpected delays or vehicle issues. Having an extra $50 to $100 in the budget can provide peace of mind during your travels.

Conclusion

The road trip from Downe Township, New Jersey, to Englewood, Tennessee, offers a great experience filled with beautiful scenery and the joy of travel. Choosing the best route, like the recommended I-295 South to I-64 West, not only optimizes your travel distance but also minimizes fuel expenses. With a total driving time of approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes and an estimated gas cost of only $103.60, this journey ensures a memorable adventure without breaking the bank. Safe travels!