Driving Cost from Dulles Town Center, Virginia to Arlington, Virginia

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Dulles Town Center to Arlington: A Road Trip under Current Gas Prices

If you’re planning to make the drive from Dulles Town Center, Virginia, to Arlington, you might be curious about the overall cost of your trip. With rising gas prices and varying routes to consider, let’s break down your options, making your journey smooth and budget-friendly!

Route Option 1: The Direct Route via VA-267 East

Starting with the most straightforward option, this route follows the Dulles Greenway, a toll road that connects you directly to Arlington.

  • Distance: 26 miles
  • Estimated Time: 35 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Gas Cost:
    • Based on the current average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gives you 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 1.04 gallons of gas. This will cost you around $3.64.
  • Toll Cost: The toll for exiting the Dulles Greenway is approximately $4.25.

Total Estimated Cost for Route 1:

$3.64 (gas) + $4.25 (toll) = $7.89

Route Option 2: The Scenic Route via US-50 East

If you prefer a more scenic drive, this route takes you down US-50, where you can enjoy the sights while getting to your destination.

  • Distance: 30 miles
  • Estimated Time: 40 minutes (traffic can vary)
  • Gas Cost:
    • Again, using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, your trip will require about 1.2 gallons of gas, costing around $4.20.
  • Toll Cost: This route is toll-free, saving you a few bucks.

Total Estimated Cost for Route 2:

$4.20 (gas) + $0 (toll) = $4.20

Route Option 3: The I-495 Beltway Option

A third option is taking the I-495 Beltway. While longer, it may be a suitable choice if you prefer avoiding any tolls.

  • Distance: 34 miles
  • Estimated Time: 50 minutes (heavier traffic expected during peak hours)
  • Gas Cost:
    • With the same mpg and gas price in mind, you would need about 1.36 gallons for this trip, costing approximately $4.76.
  • Toll Cost: You won’t face any tolls on this path either, making it a cost-effective option.

Total Estimated Cost for Route 3:

$4.76 (gas) + $0 (toll) = $4.76

Conclusion

From our analysis, you have some excellent options to consider when planning your drive from Dulles Town Center to Arlington. The direct route via VA-267 comes in at about $7.89, the scenic route via US-50 is the most economical at $4.20, and the I-495 Beltway option provides a good balance at $4.76.

No matter which route you choose, plan ahead and consider traffic patterns to make the most of your journey. Enjoy the drive and safe travels!