Driving Cost from Altoona, Pennsylvania to State College, Pennsylvania

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The Cost of a Trip Between Altoona and State College: Driving Your Way to Savings

If you're planning a trip between Altoona and State College, you're in for a scenic ride through central Pennsylvania. However, the first question that comes to mind is how much will it cost? With gas prices constantly on the rise, it's important to know how to cut costs and travel economically. In this article, we'll break down the different routes, their distances, and what you can expect to pay for gas.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when traveling between Altoona and State College. The most direct route is taking I-99 North, which is approximately 41 miles. However, there are other options if you're looking to take a more leisurely drive or have time for a pitstop. Here are the other routes:

  1. Through Tyrone: This route takes you through the small town of Tyrone before connecting with I-99. It's a few miles longer at 42 miles, but it provides a scenic drive and the opportunity to stop in the town's charming downtown area.

  2. Through Bellwood: This route adds a few more miles at 45 miles, but it's worth the extra distance if you're looking for breathtaking views of the Pennsylvania mountains. Plus, Bellwood is a small town with a few dining options if you need to take a break.

  3. Through Huntingdon: This is the longest route at 51 miles, but it's also the most scenic. The drive takes you through the charming town of Huntingdon and the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania.

Gas Prices

The cost of your trip will depend on a few factors, including your vehicle's gas mileage and the current price of gas. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Pennsylvania is $3.15 per gallon. To estimate how much you'll pay for gas, use this equation:

(distance of your route / your vehicle's gas mileage) x current gas price per gallon

For example, if you take the direct route on I-99, which is 41 miles, and your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay around $6.30 for gas. Here's the breakdown for each route, assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon:

  1. Through Tyrone: 42 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.68 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $5.29 for gas

  2. Through Bellwood: 45 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 1.8 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $5.67 for gas

  3. Through Huntingdon: 51 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 2.04 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $6.43 for gas

As you can see, the cost for gas can vary depending on the route you take. However, even the longest route only adds a few dollars to the total cost of the trip.

Best Route

So which route is the best? It depends on what you're looking for. If you're in a hurry and want the most direct route, I-99 is the way to go. However, if you have some extra time and want to take the scenic route, we recommend going through Huntingdon. It's a longer drive, but it's worth it for the views and the opportunity to stop in Huntingdon's downtown area for a meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Altoona and State College is manageable even with rising gas prices. The most direct route on I-99 is the cheapest option, but if you have some extra time, we recommend taking the scenic route through Huntingdon. No matter which route you take, you're in for a beautiful drive through central Pennsylvania. Happy travels!