Driving Cost from Allentown, Pennsylvania to West Lafayette, Indiana

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The Cost of Driving From Allentown, Pennsylvania to West Lafayette, Indiana

Are you planning a road trip from Allentown, Pennsylvania to West Lafayette, Indiana? Whether you're visiting family, exploring new places, or heading to campus, driving can be a fun and convenient way to travel. However, it's important to consider the cost of the trip, especially with rising gas prices and toll fees. In this blog post, we'll break down the routes, distances, times, and costs involved in this journey, based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Taking I-80 West

The most common and straightforward route from Allentown to West Lafayette is via I-80 West. This route spans approximately 670 miles and is estimated to take around 11 hours of non-stop driving. Let's take a closer look at the cost breakdown:

  • Gas Prices: As of this writing, the average gas price in Pennsylvania is $3.20 per gallon, while Indiana's average is slightly lower at $3.08 per gallon. Based on a car that averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 27 gallons of gas for the entire journey. Hence, the cost of gas for this route would be $86.40.

  • Toll Fees: Taking I-80 West involves passing through several toll booths, particularly in Ohio. The total toll cost for this route is approximately $25.00.

Route 2: Scenic Drive via I-70 West

For those looking for a more scenic drive, an alternative route is taking I-78 West until Harrisburg and then switching to I-81 South, connecting to I-70 West. This longer route spans approximately 740 miles and is estimated to take around 12 hours and 30 minutes of non-stop driving. Let's break down the costs:

  • Gas Prices: Since the route takes you through some additional miles compared to Route 1, you will require approximately 30 gallons of gas. Hence, the estimated gas cost for this route, based on current prices, would be $96.00.

  • Toll Fees: This route also includes some toll booths along the way, notably in Maryland and Ohio. The total toll cost for this route is approximately $30.00.

Route 3: The Money-Saver Route via US-20 West

If you're looking to save some money, you can take the scenic US-20 route, offering charming views of small towns and countryside landscapes. This option has a longer travel distance of approximately 740 miles and is estimated to take around 13 hours of non-stop driving. Let's explore the cost details:

  • Gas Prices: Given the longer distance, you would need around 30 gallons of gas for this route. With current gas prices, the estimated cost of gas would be $96.00.

  • Toll Fees: Good news, toll booths are not prominent along this route, reducing the toll cost to $0.00.

Conclusion

Before embarking on your road trip from Allentown, Pennsylvania to West Lafayette, Indiana, it's crucial to consider the cost implications, especially given the current gas prices and potential toll fees. Based on the routes we've discussed, here's a summary of the distances, costs, and times:

  • Route 1 (I-80 West): Distance - 670 miles, Cost - $111.40 (Gas: $86.40, Toll: $25.00), Time - 11 hours.
  • Route 2 (I-70 West): Distance - 740 miles, Cost - $126.00 (Gas: $96.00, Toll: $30.00), Time - 12 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Route 3 (US-20 West): Distance - 740 miles, Cost - $96.00 (Gas: $96.00, Toll: $0.00), Time - 13 hours.

Consider these factors when planning your trip to make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and preferences. Safe travels!