Driving Cost from Dundalk, Maryland to Timonium, Maryland

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Navigating Costs: A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling from Dundalk to Timonium, Maryland Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling within Maryland not only offers beautiful scenery but also diverse routes. A trip from Dundalk to Timonium provides a glimpse into the charm of the area, but many people are concerned about the costs involved, especially with fluctuating gas prices. This article breaks down the distance and costing for various routes while determining the most economical option for your journey.

Understanding Gas Prices

Before diving into the specific routes, let’s first examine the current state of gas prices in Maryland. As of October 2023, the average price per gallon of regular gasoline hovers around $3.55. This figure fluctuates based on several factors, including supply issues, seasonal changes, and even geopolitical events. For this article, we’ll use this average cost to estimate the expenses associated with your trip from Dundalk to Timonium.

Distance and Routes

The distance between Dundalk and Timonium is approximately 20 miles. The actual time and cost of your journey will largely depend on the specific route you choose, which we will detail below.

Route 1: I-95 N to I-695 N (The Fastest Route)

  • Distance: Approximately 21 miles

  • Estimated Driving Time: 25 to 30 minutes (depending on traffic)

  • Gas Cost Estimate: Assuming a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon:

    • Total gallons needed for the trip = 21 miles / 25 mpg = 0.84 gallons
    • Total gas cost = 0.84 gallons × $3.55 = $2.97

This route utilizes I-95 N to reach I-695 N, which is typically the quickest. Although traffic conditions can affect your travel time, this route offers a mostly uninterrupted highway experience.

Route 2: I-95 N to US-1 N (Scenic Route)

  • Distance: Approximately 23 miles

  • Estimated Driving Time: 30 to 35 minutes

  • Gas Cost Estimate:

    • Total gallons needed = 23 miles / 25 mpg = 0.92 gallons
    • Total gas cost = 0.92 gallons × $3.55 = $3.26

While this route may take slightly longer compared to the first route, it presents opportunities to enjoy local sights and attractions along the way.

Route 3: MD-146 N (The Direct Route)

  • Distance: Approximately 19 miles

  • Estimated Driving Time: 30 to 35 minutes

  • Gas Cost Estimate:

    • Total gallons needed = 19 miles / 25 mpg = 0.76 gallons
    • Total gas cost = 0.76 gallons × $3.55 = $2.69

The MD-146 N route is slightly shorter and might avoid some of the heavier traffic areas present in the other routes. This makes it a viable choice, particularly during peak hours.

Route 4: Back Roads (The Leisurely Option)

  • Distance: Approximately 25 miles

  • Estimated Driving Time: 40 to 45 minutes

  • Gas Cost Estimate:

    • Total gallons needed = 25 miles / 25 mpg = 1.00 gallon
    • Total gas cost = 1.00 gallon × $3.55 = $3.55

This option takes you through more rural areas. While it may provide a scenic respite from the highway, the added distance potentially increases both time spent traveling and gas costs.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides fuel costs, other factors can affect the overall expense of your trip from Dundalk to Timonium.

Tolls

Taking I-895 Bridge as another route option incurs toll costs. If you opt for this route, be prepared for additional expenses depending on your vehicle type. For standard cars, tolls can range from $1 to $6, which can add to your trip budget.

Food and Miscellaneous Expenses

Depending on the duration of your trip, you might also consider meal or snack costs if you plan to stop. A quick meal or snack can add another $10 to $20 to your trip budget. For those making several stops or taking a longer route, consider budgeting accordingly.

After evaluating the options, the best route choice remains I-95 N to I-695 N, giving you both the cost-effective advantage and a quick travel time. This straightforward highway route minimizes potential delays from local traffic while keeping your gas costs relatively low at approximately $2.97.

The MD-146 N route is also an excellent alternative, particularly for those who prefer a slightly less trafficked experience, allowing for exploration of local destinations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling from Dundalk to Timonium provides a myriad of choices depending on your preferences, gas prices, and travel habits. The most economical route is I-95 N to I-695 N, costing approximately $2.97 and taking around 25 to 30 minutes. No matter the route you choose, the journey offers the opportunity to enjoy Maryland’s scenic landscapes, making it well worth the travel time.