Driving Cost from Doylestown, Pennsylvania to Plainfield, New Jersey

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Journey: The Cost of a Trip from Doylestown, Pennsylvania to Plainfield, New Jersey Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Plainfield, New Jersey, offers a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic. This roughly 60-mile trip can vary in cost, especially with fluctuating gas prices. Understanding the different routes available will help you choose the most economical option for your journey.

Overview of the Trip

Doylestown sits in Bucks County, known for its charming town square and vibrant culture. Plainfield, located in Union County, is a bustling suburban community with an intriguing history. The distance between these two locales makes them a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend visit. Depending on your specific start and end points, the route can vary, influencing not only the duration of the trip but also the overall cost due to fuel consumption.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into the routes, let’s take a look at the current gas prices in the area. As of October 2023, the average price of regular gasoline in Pennsylvania is approximately $3.50 per gallon, while New Jersey boasts slightly cheaper prices at about $3.30 per gallon. For the sake of this evaluation, we will calculate the trip cost using these averages, considering a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

Route Options

Route 1: Via I-95 N and I-295 N

This is one of the most direct and commonly used routes to get from Doylestown to Plainfield.

  • Distance: Approximately 63 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Route Summary: Start on US-202 N, transition to I-95 N, then to I-295 N before finally taking I-78 W towards Plainfield.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Total Miles: 63 miles
  2. Gallons of Gas Needed: 63 miles / 25 mpg = 2.52 gallons
  3. Cost: 2.52 gallons x $3.30 (New Jersey gas price) = $8.30

Route 2: Via I-276 E and I-95 N

This route takes a slightly different approach through the Pennsylvania Turnpike and then connects to I-95.

  • Distance: Approximately 65 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Route Summary: Depart from Doylestown on I-276 E, then merge onto I-95 N, following it until reaching Plainfield.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Total Miles: 65 miles
  2. Gallons of Gas Needed: 65 miles / 25 mpg = 2.6 gallons
  3. Cost: 2.6 gallons x $3.30 = $8.58

Route 3: Via PA-611 N and NJ-27 S

Venturing a bit off the highways, this scenic route uses smaller state roads and provides a picturesque view of the countryside and suburban towns.

  • Distance: Approximately 70 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Route Summary: Start on PA-611 N, then continue on US-1 N before transitioning through local roads leading to Plainfield.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Total Miles: 70 miles
  2. Gallons of Gas Needed: 70 miles / 25 mpg = 2.8 gallons
  3. Cost: 2.8 gallons x $3.30 = $9.24

Route 4: Alternative Scenic Route through Princeton

Another viable option is to take the scenic approach via Princeton, which offers not only a beautiful drive but also the opportunity to explore this historic town.

  • Distance: Approximately 72 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
  • Route Summary: Start by taking US-202 N, then transition through PA-1 S, continue on local roads into Princeton before heading to Plainfield.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Total Miles: 72 miles
  2. Gallons of Gas Needed: 72 miles / 25 mpg = 2.88 gallons
  3. Cost: 2.88 gallons x $3.30 = $9.50

Summary of Costs

Route Distance (Miles) Estimated Cost
I-95 N and I-295 N (Route 1) 63 $8.30
I-276 E and I-95 N (Route 2) 65 $8.58
PA-611 N and NJ-27 S (Route 3) 70 $9.24
Scenic Route through Princeton (Route 4) 72 $9.50

Best Route Recommendation

After evaluating the distances, estimated driving times, and fuel costs, Route 1 via I-95 N and I-295 N emerges as the best option. Although the differences in cost among the routes are relatively small, Route 1 provides the most direct path with the least mileage, ensuring that you spend less time on the road and more time enjoying your destination.

Conclusion

Traveling from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to Plainfield, New Jersey, particularly following Route 1, will cost you approximately $8.30, making it a budget-friendly endeavor. The journey lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, splendidly combining convenience with efficiency. As the landscape transitions along the way, you can look forward to an enjoyable ride that sets the perfect tone for your visit to Plainfield.