Driving Cost from Alexandria, Virginia to Darnestown, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Darnestown, Maryland: Which is the Cheapest Route Based on Current Gas Prices?

If you are planning a trip from Alexandria, Virginia, to Darnestown, Maryland, you may be wondering about the costs involved in the journey. With current gas prices fluctuating, it can be hard to determine the cheapest route to take. In this article, we will break down the different route options, including the shortest distance and the cheapest route based on gas prices.

Route Options

There are several routes to choose from when making this trip; however, they vary in distance and cost. Here are the three most common routes:

Route 1: I-495 W

This route is the most straightforward option and the shortest in terms of distance. It is 21.6 miles from Alexandria to Darnestown, and the estimated driving time is around 30 minutes with light traffic. Although it is the shortest, it is also the most expensive in terms of gas prices.

Route 2: VA-267 W and I-495 N

This route is the most expensive distance-wise, but with the right gas prices, it could end up being cheaper than Route 1. It is 27.1 miles from Alexandria to Darnestown, and the estimated driving time is approximately 34 minutes with moderate traffic.

Route 3: VA-495 W and VA-7 W

This route is the cheapest in terms of gas prices but the longest in distance, making it a good option if you are not in a hurry. It is 30.2 miles from Alexandria to Darnestown, and the estimated driving time is around 40 minutes with heavy traffic.

Now that we've looked at the different route options, let's look at the estimated cost of each route based on gas prices.

Estimating Cost

To estimate the cost of a trip, we need to consider the following factors:

  • The distance of the trip
  • The average gas mileage of your vehicle
  • The average cost of gas per gallon

Assuming that your vehicle gets an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and the current average cost of gas per gallon is $2.85, we can estimate how much it will cost to take each route.

Route 1: I-495 W

At 21.6 miles, this route will use approximately 0.86 gallons of gas and cost approximately $2.45.

Route 2: VA-267 W and I-495 N

At 27.1 miles, this route will use approximately 1.08 gallons of gas and cost approximately $3.08.

Route 3: VA-495 W and VA-7 W

At 30.2 miles, this route will use approximately 1.20 gallons of gas and cost approximately $3.42.

Conclusion

Based on the estimated costs, Route 1: I-495 W is the most expensive option. Although it is the shortest route, it is not the cheapest due to the high gas prices in the area. Route 2: VA-267 W and I-495 N is the most expensive route if gas prices are high. However, it could be a cheaper option if gas prices are low, making it worth considering. Route 3: VA-495 W and VA-7 W is the cheapest option due to its low gas usage, and it could be the best option if you have a lot of time to spare and want to save some money.

In conclusion, your best option depends on your priorities. If you're in a hurry and don't mind paying a little more, take Route 1. If you want to save some money and don't mind a longer trip, Route 3 is your best bet. And if you want to play it safe and save money, Route 2 can be a good option if gas prices are low.

The journey time for each route will vary, depending on traffic conditions and other factors. However, you can use the estimated driving times mentioned earlier as a reference. In general, taking Route 1 should take around 30 minutes, while Route 3 should take around 40 minutes. Route 2 can take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, and it's best to do some research on gas prices and traffic conditions beforehand. Regardless of which route you take, remember to drive safely and enjoy the journey!