The Cost of a Trip from Dunellen, New Jersey to Reading, Pennsylvania: A Gas Price Breakdown
Planning a road trip between Dunellen, New Jersey, and Reading, Pennsylvania, offers beautiful scenery and a blend of cultural experiences. As with any road trip, understanding the financial implications—especially regarding gas prices—can help travelers budget effectively. This article will break down different potential routes for this journey, calculate fuel costs based on current gas prices, and recommend the best path for your road trip.
Route Options Overview
Traveling from Dunellen to Reading presents several route options, each varying in distance, travel time, and gas expense. The most common routes include:
- Route 1: I-287 N and I-78 W
- Route 2: US-22 W
- Route 3: I-95 S and I-76 W
Let’s explore these routes in more detail, calculating both the distance and the estimated fuel costs associated with each.
Route 1: I-287 N and I-78 W
Distance & Travel Time
The first option uses I-287 N and transitions to I-78 W. This route spans approximately 75 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes without significant traffic.
Gas Cost Calculation
To calculate gas costs, let's consider a vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), which is an average figure for many modern cars. The current national average gas price hovers around $3.40 per gallon.
- Total Miles: 75 miles
- Gallons used: 75 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 3 gallons
- Total Cost: 3 gallons × $3.40 = $10.20
Thus, the total gas cost for this route is approximately $10.20.
Route 2: US-22 W
Distance & Travel Time
The second route diverges slightly by utilizing US-22 W, which runs parallel to highways. It's a more scenic option, covering around 68 miles and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Gas Cost Calculation
Using the same vehicle limits of 25 mpg and a gas price of $3.40 per gallon:
- Total Miles: 68 miles
- Gallons used: 68 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 2.72 gallons
- Total Cost: 2.72 gallons × $3.40 = $9.25
Thus, the total gas cost for this route would amount to approximately $9.25.
Route 3: I-95 S and I-76 W
Distance & Travel Time
The final route utilizes I-95 S before merging onto I-76 W. This option covers around 81 miles and may take up to 1 hour and 50 minutes in light traffic conditions.
Gas Cost Calculation
Again using the same vehicle statistics:
- Total Miles: 81 miles
- Gallons used: 81 miles ÷ 25 mpg = 3.24 gallons
- Total Cost: 3.24 gallons × $3.40 = $11.02
Therefore, the total gas expenditure for this route winds up being approximately $11.02.
Summary of Route Distances and Costs
| Route Description | Distance (miles) | Travel Time (hrs) | Gas Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-287 N and I-78 W | 75 | 1.5 | $10.20 |
| US-22 W | 68 | 1.67 | $9.25 |
| I-95 S and I-76 W | 81 | 1.83 | $11.02 |
Route Recommendation
Considering both distance and cost, the best route is US-22 W, which is the shortest with the lowest estimated gas cost of about $9.25. Moreover, this scenic highway offers a pleasant drive through picturesque landscapes, enriching your trip experience.
If you prefer a more straightforward route using highways, the I-287 N and I-78 W option remains commendable, allowing for a slightly longer yet efficient travel with a reasonable gas cost.
Conclusion
Driving from Dunellen, New Jersey, to Reading, Pennsylvania, can be an enjoyable adventure if you choose the suitable route. Opting for US-22 W provides the shortest distance of 68 miles and a fuel cost of approximately $9.25, allowing you to save money while enjoying scenic views along the way. Expect travel times to be around 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it a quick and delightful day trip. Plan your trip well, maintain your vehicle, and enjoy your drive!