Cost of Driving From Dundalk, Maryland to Richmond, Virginia: A Gas Price Overview
Planning a road trip from Dundalk, Maryland to Richmond, Virginia? You’re in for a scenic journey! But before you hit the road, let’s break down the costs involved, focusing on gas prices and potential tolls. Here, we’ll explore a couple of popular routes to help you make an informed decision.
Route 1: I-95 South
This is the most direct route and quite popular for those heading to Richmond.
- Distance: Approximately 150 miles
- Time: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic
- Cost of Gas: With current gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you would need roughly 6 gallons of gas. So, your total gas cost would be about $21.00.
- Tolls: This route involves no tolls.
Choosing I-95 is straightforward and generally faster, allowing you to enjoy landmarks along the way, such as the beautiful downtown Waldorf or even the historic Fredericksburg if you take a little detour.
Route 2: US-301 South
If you want a more picturesque route, US-301 South might appeal to you. It offers charming towns and lovely countryside views.
- Distance: Approximately 160 miles
- Time: Expect around 3 hours of travel time
- Cost of Gas: Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 6.4 gallons of gas. Therefore, your total gas expense would be roughly $22.40.
- Tolls: There are no major tolls on this route.
While this option takes a tad longer, the scenic beauty, especially through rural Maryland and Virginia, makes it a worthwhile experience. Bring your favorite playlist or an interesting audiobook, and the miles will fly by!
Bonus: Estimating Total Costs
After considering both routes, if you're budgeting for the trip, you’ll notice the difference is minimal when it comes to gas costs. Here’s a quick recap:
- Route 1 (I-95 South): Costs approximately $21.00 for gas.
- Route 2 (US-301 South): Costs approximately $22.40 for gas.
In conclusion, both routes from Dundalk to Richmond will provide you with an enjoyable experience, and the costs are fairly comparative. Make sure to check the current gas prices right before your trip for the most accurate budgeting, and always keep an eye on any road work that might affect your travel time. Happy travels!