Driving Cost from Durham, North Carolina to Moonachie, New Jersey

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip: Durham, NC to Moonachie, NJ Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be exhilarating, but the hidden costs can often throw a wrench in your plans. If you're considering a road trip from Durham, North Carolina to Moonachie, New Jersey, understanding the various routes and calculating the total cost, especially in light of current gas prices, is essential. In this article, we will explore different driving routes, their distances, estimated fuel costs, and ultimately recommend the best path to take.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into the details of the trip, it helps to have a basic understanding of current gas prices. As of October 2023, the average price of regular gasoline in the United States fluctuates around $3.50 per gallon. While prices vary regionally, this average gives us a baseline for planning our trip.

Route Overview

To travel from Durham to Moonachie, you have a few options, and each one offers a unique experience. The most commonly traveled routes include:

  1. I-95 N via I-295
  2. I-85 N to I-95 N
  3. I-40 E to I-95 N

Let’s break down each route in terms of distance, estimated driving time, and cost.

Route 1: I-95 N via I-295

Distance: Approximately 565 miles
Driving Time: About 9 hours

The first route takes you up I-95 N through Virginia, Maryland, and into New Jersey. You’ll initially head north on I-85 N before merging onto I-95 N. This route also includes a stretch on I-295, which allows you to bypass the heavier traffic near Richmond, Virginia.

Cost Calculation

To estimate the fuel cost:

  • Average fuel economy: 25 miles per gallon (MPG)
  • Total gallons needed: 565 miles / 25 MPG = 22.6 gallons
  • Total cost: 22.6 gallons × $3.50 = approximately $79.10

Route 2: I-85 N to I-95 N

Distance: Approximately 570 miles
Driving Time: Around 9 hours and 15 minutes

The second route also utilizes I-85 N to connect with I-95 N. It is similar in traffic conditions to the first route but may have slight variations due to roadworks or construction along the way.

Cost Calculation

Using the same fuel economy:

  • Total gallons needed: 570 miles / 25 MPG = 22.8 gallons
  • Total cost: 22.8 gallons × $3.50 = approximately $79.80

Route 3: I-40 E to I-95 N

Distance: Approximately 590 miles
Driving Time: About 9 hours and 30 minutes

This route starts with I-40 E, which connects to I-95 N at Florence, South Carolina. Although it is the longest of the three routes, it offers a more scenic drive through the region.

Cost Calculation

  • Total gallons needed: 590 miles / 25 MPG = 23.6 gallons
  • Total cost: 23.6 gallons × $3.50 = approximately $82.60

After analyzing the distances, travel times, and costs associated with each route, the best recommendation is to take Route 1: I-95 N via I-295.

This route strikes an excellent balance between distance and driving time while keeping fuel costs relatively low. With an estimated cost of around $79.10, it provides the most efficient journey to Moonachie, NJ. You will also benefit from avoiding potential heavy traffic in Richmond by taking I-295.

Additional Factors to Consider

While fuel costs are significant in planning your trip, they’re not the only expenses to consider:

Food Costs

Regardless of the route selected, you will likely need to stop for meals or snacks. Depending on your preferences, consider budgeting around $10-$15 per meal, especially if traveling with others.

Accommodation Costs

If you plan to break the journey into two days, you might need to account for hotel stays. A mid-range hotel might cost anywhere from $100 to $150 per night.

Tolls

The final leg to Moonachie may incur tolls, particularly along the New Jersey Turnpike. While these costs can vary, budgeting around $15-$25 for tolls is advisable.

Total Trip Cost Estimate

By adding up the costs, we can get an estimate for the entire trip:

  1. Fuel: Approximately $80
  2. Food: Approximately $30 (for two meals)
  3. Accommodation: Approximately $100 (if applicable)
  4. Tolls: Approximately $20

Totaling these costs, if you’re completing the trip in one day, you might spend around $130. If you opt for an overnight stay, the cost could rise to about $230.

Trip Duration

Assuming you take the recommended route (I-95 N via I-295) and factor in breaks, you can expect the trip to take approximately 10 to 11 hours for a non-stop journey or staggered over two days, with a compelling experience along the way.

Conclusion

A road trip from Durham, North Carolina to Moonachie, New Jersey offers travelers various routes that present different scenic views and experiences. The most efficient route, I-95 N via I-295, balances time and fuel cost effectively, making it the go-to option for most travelers. In total, you can expect the journey to take about ten hours, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sites along the East Coast. Regardless of your choice, the experience of the road awaits you!