Driving Cost from Absecon, New Jersey to Somers Point, New Jersey

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Absecon, NJ and Somers Point, NJ: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip between Absecon and Somers Point, both in New Jersey? Whether you're driving for leisure or commuting for work, one of the first things you need to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices are constantly changing, and your route options might vary based on traffic, tolls, and other factors. To help you make an informed decision, this article will provide a breakdown of the costs and distances of various routes, as well as a recommendation for the best one based on current information.

Possible Routes

There are different ways to travel from Absecon to Somers Point, but the most common are:

  • Garden State Parkway
  • US-30
  • Shore Road

Garden State Parkway

The Garden State Parkway is a toll road that runs from Cape May to the New York border, connecting various cities and towns in between. To travel from Absecon to Somers Point using this highway, you would take exit 36, which leads to the Route 657 connector. Then, you would take exit 29 onto US-9 south, which merges with US-9 Alt and becomes Shore Road. Finally, you would follow Shore Road for about 3.5 miles until you arrive at Somers Point.

The advantages of using the Garden State Parkway are:

  • It's the fastest route, taking about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
  • It has clear signs and well-maintained roads.
  • It offers various amenities such as rest areas, gas stations, and food options.

However, the main drawback is that it has tolls. According to the official Garden State Parkway website, the current E-Z Pass toll for a car traveling from Absecon to Somers Point is $1.50, and the cash toll is $1.90. If you use this road often, you might want to consider getting an E-Z Pass to save money and time.

US-30

US-30, also known as the White Horse Pike, is a major road that goes from Atlantic City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To travel from Absecon to Somers Point using this highway, you would follow these directions:

  • Head west on US-30 for about 1.2 miles.
  • Turn right onto US-9 north.
  • After 1.3 miles, turn left onto Ocean Heights Avenue.
  • Stay on Ocean Heights Avenue for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Shore Road.
  • Follow Shore Road for about 1.5 miles until you arrive at Somers Point.

The advantages of using US-30 are:

  • It's scenic, passing by various landmarks, parks, and businesses.
  • It's toll-free, so you don't need to worry about extra expenses.
  • It has multiple lanes and signs, making it easy to navigate.

However, the main drawback is that it can be congested, especially during peak hours or tourist season. You might encounter delays, accidents, or road work that could affect your arrival time.

Shore Road

Shore Road is a local road that runs parallel to the coastline, connecting several towns and beaches. To travel from Absecon to Somers Point using this route, you would follow these instructions:

  • Head southeast on Pitney Road for about 1.5 miles.
  • Turn right onto Mill Road and follow it for about 1.3 miles.
  • Turn left onto Fire Road and continue for about 1 mile.
  • Turn right onto Park Avenue and follow it for about 1 mile.
  • Turn left onto Shore Road and proceed for about 1.5 miles until you arrive at Somers Point.

The advantages of using Shore Road are:

  • It's scenic, allowing you to enjoy the ocean view and the local atmosphere.
  • It's close to several attractions such as the Atlantic County Park and the Ocean City Boardwalk.
  • It has minimal traffic, making it a peaceful and relaxing drive.

However, the main drawback is that it's slower than the other routes, taking about 25-30 minutes depending on speed limits and road conditions. You might also encounter some stops or turns that could be confusing if you're not familiar with the area.

Cost Comparison

To compare the costs of each route, we need to consider three factors:

  • Gas prices
  • Tolls (if applicable)
  • Distance (in miles)

As of September 2021, the average gas price in New Jersey is $3.33 per gallon, according to AAA. The distance between Absecon and Somers Point is approximately 7 miles, depending on the specific starting and ending points. Here's how the costs break down for each route:

Route Gas Cost (round trip) Toll Cost (round trip) Total Cost (round trip) Distance (one way)
Garden State Parkway $1.33 $3.00 (E-Z Pass); $3.80 (cash) $4.33 (E-Z Pass); $5.70 (cash) 3.5 miles
US-30 $1.33 $0 $1.33 5.5 miles
Shore Road $2.61 $0 $2.61 7 miles

Notes:

  • The gas cost assumes that your car gets a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and that you drive round trip, which means 14 miles total.
  • The toll cost is based on the official websites of the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway, which is another toll road that you might encounter if you choose US-30 or Shore Road.
  • The total cost is the sum of the gas and toll costs, rounded to the nearest cent.

As you can see, the Garden State Parkway is the most expensive route, both in terms of tolls and gas. It's also the shortest one, but the difference in distance is not significant enough to justify the extra cost. US-30 is the cheapest route, as it has no tolls and a moderate gas cost. However, it's not the shortest or the fastest route, so you might need to weigh the trade-offs. Shore Road is in between, with higher gas cost but no tolls and a scenic drive.

Recommendation

Based on the information provided above, our recommendation for the best route from Absecon to Somers Point is US-30. While the Garden State Parkway might save you a few minutes, it's not worth the extra tolls and stress. Shore Road might be appealing if you want to enjoy the views and avoid traffic, but it's not practical for everyday commuting or if you're in a hurry. US-30 offers a good balance of affordability, convenience, and safety, with various amenities along the way.

Of course, your personal preferences and circumstances might vary, so it's always a good idea to plan your trip ahead and research the latest gas prices and traffic updates. You might also consider carpooling, taking public transportation, or using a bike or a scooter if possible. By being aware of the costs and alternatives, you can make the most of your trip between Absecon and Somers Point without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Traveling from Absecon to Somers Point in New Jersey can be a straightforward and enjoyable experience if you choose the right route and take into account the cost of gas and tolls. Although there are different ways to reach your destination, our analysis shows that US-30 is the most cost-effective and practical route, especially if you value efficiency and simplicity. By using this road, you can save money, time, and hassle, while still enjoying the scenery and the attractions nearby. Remember to drive safely and responsibly, obey traffic laws, and respect other drivers and pedestrians. Happy travels!