Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Doylestown, PA to Hockessin, DE: Route Options and Gas Expenses
Traveling from Doylestown, Pennsylvania to Hockessin, Delaware offers a pleasant getaway filled with scenic views and quaint small-town charm. This journey spans approximately 49 miles, depending on your chosen route. As gas prices fluctuate, it is vital to calculate the cost of fuel to budget appropriately for your trip. In this article, we will assess various routes, their distances, and their associated gas costs, allowing you to select the most economical option for your travels.
Current Gas Prices
As of October 2023, average gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon in the Doylestown area. Considering this figure, we can estimate fuel costs for our different route options. Keep in mind that gas prices can vary slightly based on local stations and market fluctuations, so always check the latest prices before you travel.
Route Options
Route 1: I-95 S via US-1 S
Distance: Approximately 49 miles
Estimated Driving Time: About 50 minutes
Route Overview:
- Start on State Route 611 (N Easton Rd) in Doylestown.
- Merge onto US-1 S via the ramp to I-95 S.
- Take Exit 109A for I-95 S toward Wilmington, DE.
- Continue on I-95 S. Take Exit 7B for DE-202 N/Concord Pike.
- Follow DE-202 N until you reach Hockessin.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
To estimate the gas cost for this route, we need to know the vehicle's fuel efficiency. For this example, we’ll assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg).
- Total distance: 49 miles
- Fuel needed: 49 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 1.96 gallons
- Total cost: 1.96 gallons × $3.50/gallon ≈ $6.86
Route 2: PA-313 to DE-92
Distance: Approximately 50 miles
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Route Overview:
- Begin on PA Route 313 E from Doylestown.
- Follow the signs for PA-263 S.
- Merge onto DE-92 S toward Hockessin.
- Stay on DE-92 until reaching your destination.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Using the same metrics for fuel efficiency:
- Total distance: 50 miles
- Fuel needed: 50 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 2 gallons
- Total cost: 2 gallons × $3.50/gallon ≈ $7.00
Route 3: U.S. Route 202 N
Distance: Approximately 48 miles
Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes
Route Overview:
- Start on State Route 611 (N Easton Rd) and continue onto U.S. Route 202 N.
- Follow U.S. Route 202 N through Pennsylvania and into Delaware.
- Take DE-7 S to Hockessin.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
As before, applying the same fuel efficiency gives us:
- Total distance: 48 miles
- Fuel needed: 48 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 1.92 gallons
- Total cost: 1.92 gallons × $3.50/gallon ≈ $6.72
Route 4: Scenic Route via New Hope and Lambertville
Distance: Approximately 55 miles
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Route Overview:
- Take PA-32 S from Doylestown to New Hope.
- Cross the Delaware River into Lambertville, NJ via the bridge.
- Continue on River Road and follow the signs to Hockessin through NJ and DE scenic routes.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Taking our 25 mpg vehicle into account:
- Total distance: 55 miles
- Fuel needed: 55 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 2.2 gallons
- Total cost: 2.2 gallons × $3.50/gallon ≈ $7.70
Summary of Costs and Distance
Route | Distance | Estimated Cost |
---|---|---|
I-95 S via US-1 S | 49 miles | $6.86 |
PA-313 to DE-92 | 50 miles | $7.00 |
U.S. Route 202 N | 48 miles | $6.72 |
Scenic Route via New Hope | 55 miles | $7.70 |
Recommended Route
Considering the distances and corresponding fuel costs, the best route for the trip from Doylestown to Hockessin is the U.S. Route 202 N. Not only is it one of the shortest distances at 48 miles, but it also allows for a relatively quick travel time of about 45 minutes. It strikes an excellent balance between efficiency and cost, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your journey from Doylestown, Pennsylvania to Hockessin, Delaware can be both pleasant and economical. Opting for the U.S. Route 202 N will save you time and gas expenses, costing approximately $6.72 in fuel for the 48-mile journey. You can anticipate reaching Hockessin in roughly 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of your destination with minimal delays and costs. With the right planning, your trip can be both enjoyable and affordable.