Driving Cost from Dublin, Pennsylvania to Bel Air, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Road Trip: Cost of Traveling from Dublin, Pennsylvania to Bel Air, Maryland

Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, but it’s crucial to keep an eye on costs. This is especially true when considering fuel prices, as they can significantly impact your budget. This article details the various routes from Dublin, Pennsylvania to Bel Air, Maryland, estimates their costs based on current gas prices, and recommends the best route for your journey.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Pennsylvania is around $3.50 per gallon, whereas in Maryland, it hovers around $3.60 per gallon. These prices can fluctuate slightly based on your exact location, but we'll use these figures for our calculations. The number of miles your vehicle drives affects how much you will spend on gas, so it's essential to consider both the distance of each route and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Step 1: Know Your Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency

To estimate the total gas cost for your trip, you need to determine your vehicle's miles per gallon (MPG). For this article, we’ll use an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, which is common for many cars today. With this information, calculating the costs for different routes becomes straightforward.

Routes from Dublin, PA to Bel Air, MD

There are several routes you can take from Dublin to Bel Air, each offering its unique scenery and travel characteristics.

Route 1: PA-313 E and I-95 S

  • Distance: Approximately 60 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cost Calculation:

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • 60 miles / 25 MPG = 2.4 gallons
  2. Calculate the total fuel cost:
    • 2.4 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $8.40

This route takes you along PA-313 E before merging with I-95 S, leading directly to Bel Air. It's a straightforward drive with access to several towns and scenic landscapes.

Route 2: US-202 S and I-95 S

  • Distance: Approximately 65 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Cost Calculation:

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • 65 miles / 25 MPG = 2.6 gallons
  2. Calculate the total fuel cost:
    • 2.6 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $9.10

This route offers a slightly longer distance but provides more driving options through different towns. You’ll join US-202 S, which can get busy but offers a more urban drive.

Route 3: PA-563 E and US-1 S

  • Distance: Approximately 70 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cost Calculation:

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • 70 miles / 25 MPG = 2.8 gallons
  2. Calculate the total fuel cost:
    • 2.8 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $9.80

Using PA-563 E and US-1 S, this route meanders through charming neighborhoods and lush landscapes. While it’s the longest in terms of distance, it offers a relaxing drive.

Route 4: I-276 E and I-95 S

  • Distance: Approximately 63 miles
  • Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cost Calculation:

  1. Calculate the number of gallons needed:
    • 63 miles / 25 MPG = 2.52 gallons
  2. Calculate the total fuel cost:
    • 2.52 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $8.82

I-276 E offers a faster option, connecting quickly to I-95 S. This route is well-paved and allows for a smoother driving experience.

Comparison of Routes

When comparing these routes based on fuel costs and estimated travel time:

  • Route 1 (PA-313 E and I-95 S): Cost $8.40, Time 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Route 2 (US-202 S and I-95 S): Cost $9.10, Time 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Route 3 (PA-563 E and US-1 S): Cost $9.80, Time 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Route 4 (I-276 E and I-95 S): Cost $8.82, Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Route 1 stands out as the most cost-effective way to travel from Dublin to Bel Air, closely followed by Route 4.

Recommendations

After analyzing your options, Route 1 (PA-313 E and I-95 S) emerges as the best route for this trip. It balances distance, fuel cost, and travel time, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently. With its relatively low cost of $8.40 and a drive time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have more time to enjoy your stay in Bel Air.

Conclusion

Traveling from Dublin, Pennsylvania, to Bel Air, Maryland, isn't just a quick drive; it also offers a range of costs and routes. With the best route being approximately 60 miles long, the journey should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, costing you roughly $8.40 in gas, based on current fuel prices. Enjoy your road trip, and remember to enjoy the sights along the way!