The Cost of a Trip Between Alexandria, VA and Waldorf, MD Based on Current Gas Prices

If you are planning a trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Waldorf, Maryland, it is essential to consider different circumstances that can impact both the travel time and the cost of the trip. In this article, we will break down the potential routes, the cost of each, and highlight the best course to take.

Possible Routes

There are three common routes for a trip between Alexandria, Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland. Each route has differing values of travel time, length, and cost.

Route 1: I-95 S and US-301 S

The most common route to take is a combination of I-95 South and US-301 South. You will start by heading south on I-95 towards Richmond, Virginia, then merging onto US-301 South towards Waldorf. This route is a distance of approximately 38 miles and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on traffic.

Route 2: I-495 S and MD-5 S

The second alternative route is I-495 South and MD-5 South. By taking this route, it allows you to bypass Richmond, Virginia, by traveling through Maryland. Starting in Alexandria, you will go south on I-495 and merge onto MD-5 South. The distance of this route is 38 miles, and the expected travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Route 3: US-1 S and MD-5 S

The third possible route is almost entirely on local roads. You will head south on US-1 S from Alexandria and then merge onto MD-5 S. This route is the longest, in terms of distance, at approximately 48 miles. However, this route allows for scenic views and avoids heavy traffic situations. The expected travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cost Analysis of Each Route

Several factors impact the cost of a trip between Alexandria and Waldorf. The primary cost factors include fuel prices, tolls, and the distance of the route. Here are the cost estimates for each route, based on current gas prices:

Route 1: I-95 South and US-301 South

With this route, you won't face any tolls while driving. The distance is approximately 38 miles, meaning you will spend an average of five gallons of gas. For instance, if the cost of gas per gallon is $3.50, you would spend around $17.50 for fuel.

Route 2: I-495 S and MD-5 S

This route does involve tolls before you enter Maryland. $1.75 towards I-495 South and taking the I-95 South exit towards Maryland, and $6.00 for crossing Thomas Johnson Bridge closer to Waldorf. With the cost of gas per gallon being $3.50, the drive of approximately 38 miles will consume around five gallons of gas, meaning a cost of roughly $17.50 for fuel.

Route 3: US-1 S and MD-5 S

This route will not have any tolls to pay, making it the least expensive option of the three. However, with the longer distance of 48 miles, the total fuel cost may be slightly higher. Again, if the current price of gasoline per gallon is $3.50, you can expect to pay approximately $21.00 for fuel costs.

Best Route Recommendation

After considering the options of each route and cost of travel, the best route recommended is Route 1. Based on the estimated fuel cost of $17.50, Route 1 is the most cost-efficient. The expected travel time of 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, is also the most expedient of the three routes. With this route, you can avoid tolls and enjoy a beautiful view along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you plan to take a trip between Alexandria, Virginia, and Waldorf, Maryland, be sure to consider the possible routes and their associated costs. You can save a lot of money by picking the best route to take, which in this case is Route 1: I-95 South and US-301 South. Not only will this save your wallet from paying extra toll fees, but it also allows for a more comfortable trip and less stressful experience. With proper planning, you can enjoy a memorable trip between Alexandria and Waldorf without having to break the bank.