Navigating the Cost of Driving from Alexandria, VA to Lexington Park, MD

Are you planning to hit the road and explore the small yet charming town of Lexington Park? It's always a great idea to plan your trip ahead of time, and that includes factoring in the cost of driving. So, how much should you expect to shell out for gas and tolls if you're coming from Alexandria, Virginia? Let's find out.

Route 1: MD-5 S

The first route to consider is the MD-5 S. This is the shortest route at 64.6 miles and will typically take you around 1 hour and 16 minutes to get to Lexington Park.

Currently, gas in Alexandria costs around $2.79 per gallon, while gas in Lexington Park costs around $2.74 per gallon. Based on those prices and your car’s estimated fuel efficiency, you’ll need about 2 gallons of gas to complete the trip, which will cost you around $5.58. Additionally, you’ll pass through a toll, which will cost around $5.

Total Cost: $10.58

Route 2: US-301 S

If you're inclined to take a slightly longer but more scenic route, the US-301 S is worth considering. This route is approximately 80.2 miles and will take about 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Lexington Park.

With the same gas prices and fuel efficiency estimates in mind, you’ll need about 2.5 gallons of gas to complete the trip, which means a cost of approximately $6.98. Additionally, you’ll pass through two tolls, which will add up to around $9.

Total Cost: $15.98

Route 3: I-495 S, I-95 S, and MD-235 S

Last, but certainly not least, is the I-495 S, I-95 S, and MD-235 S route. This is the longest option at around 89.8 miles and will take your approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Following the same calculation as above, you can estimate a gas cost of $8.30. There is no toll on this route.

Total Cost: $8.30

Conclusion:

As this rundown shows, taking the shortest route doesn’t always equate to the cheapest option. So, which route should you take? That answer depends entirely on your budget and the type of adventure you want to experience.

No matter which route you choose, make sure to ground your estimation based on current gas prices and toll rates. A penny saved is a penny earned, and it all adds up when you're on a budget. Happy travels!