How Much Does It Cost to Drive from Annapolis, Maryland to Alexandria, Virginia?
Are you thinking of making the journey from Annapolis to Alexandria? Whether it's for business or pleasure, it's important to know the cost of the trip before you go. With gas prices and toll fees constantly fluctuating, it can be difficult to get a clear idea of how much you'll need to spend. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Annapolis to Alexandria based on current gas prices.
Route 1: US-50 W and I-495 S
The most direct route from Annapolis to Alexandria is via US-50 W and I-495 S. The total distance of this route is 37 miles and it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete under normal traffic conditions. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in Maryland as of September 2021 is $3.07 per gallon.
- Gas Cost: Based on a standard car with a 14-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 1.48 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That gives you a gas cost of around $4.55.
- Toll Fees: There are currently no tolls on this route.
So, the total cost of driving from Annapolis to Alexandria via US-50 W and I-495 S is approximately $4.55 in gas.
Route 2: MD-2 S and I-495 S
Another option is to take MD-2 S and I-495 S. The total distance of this route is 44 miles and it takes approximately 1 hour to complete under normal traffic conditions. Again, according to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in Maryland as of September 2021 is $3.07 per gallon.
- Gas Cost: Based on a standard car with a 14-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 1.76 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That gives you a gas cost of around $5.41.
- Toll Fees: There is one toll on this route, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which costs $4 for two-axle vehicles.
So, the total cost of driving from Annapolis to Alexandria via MD-2 S and I-495 S is approximately $9.41 in gas and tolls.
Route 3: US-50 W and I-395 S
A final option is to take US-50 W and I-395 S. The total distance of this route is 43 miles and it takes approximately 1 hour to complete under normal traffic conditions. Once again, according to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in Maryland as of September 2021 is $3.07 per gallon.
- Gas Cost: Based on a standard car with a 14-gallon tank and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 1.72 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That gives you a gas cost of around $5.28.
- Toll Fees: There are currently no tolls on this route.
So, the total cost of driving from Annapolis to Alexandria via US-50 W and I-395 S is approximately $5.28 in gas.
Conclusion
So, after analyzing all the routes available, it seems that the most cost-effective route is via US-50 W and I-395 S, costing around $5.28 in gas. However, it's worth considering the other routes if you're up for the extra miles and time, as they offer slightly different views and stopover options. It's good to keep in mind these costs for your budget and avoid burning a hole in your pocket! Have a safe and fun trip to Alexandria!