Driving Cost from Arlington, Virginia to Friendly, Maryland

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The Cost of a Trip Between Arlington, Virginia and Friendly, Maryland

If you're planning a trip between Arlington, Virginia and Friendly, Maryland, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost. The distance between these two locations is approximately 22 miles, which means you'll be spending both time and money to get there. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route to take and share some tips to help you save money.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take to get from Arlington to Friendly, and each one has its own pros and cons. Here are a few of the most popular options:

Route 1: I-495 and MD-210

This route takes you around the outskirts of DC on I-395 and I-495 before taking MD-210 to Friendly. This is the most direct route and will take you approximately 40 minutes to drive. The distance is 21.9 miles, and there are no tolls on this route. However, traffic can be heavy at times, especially during rush hour.

Route 2: I-395 and I-295

This route takes you through DC on I-395 and I-295 before crossing over into Maryland. This route is slightly shorter at 19.9 miles, but it can take longer (up to an hour) if you hit traffic in DC. There are also tolls on this route, including the 395 Express Lanes and the Anacostia Freeway toll plaza.

Route 3: Route 1 and Route 210

This route takes you through Alexandria and Fort Washington on Route 1 before connecting to Route 210. This can be a good option if you want to avoid highways or if there's heavy traffic on I-495. The distance is 23.2 miles, and there are no tolls on this route. However, traffic can be heavy on Route 1 during peak travel times.

Cost Breakdown

Now that we've looked at the different route options, let's break down the cost of each one. Keep in mind that these costs are based on current gas prices and do not include any tolls or additional expenses such as parking fees.

Route 1:

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $2.27 each way.

Total Cost: $4.54

Route 2:

Assuming an average gas mileage of 20 miles per gallon (due to the stop-and-go traffic in the city) and a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $3.12 each way. In addition, there is a toll of $1.00 each way for the 395 Express Lanes and a toll of $1.50 for the Anacostia Freeway toll plaza, bringing the total cost to:

Total Cost: $6.62

Route 3:

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $2.73 each way.

Total Cost: $5.46

Based on the cost and distance breakdown, we recommend Route 1: I-495 and MD-210. This route is the most direct and has the lowest cost at $4.54 round trip. It also has no tolls, which can add up quickly if you're taking a different route. While traffic can be heavy at times, it's still the most efficient way to get from Arlington to Friendly.

Tips to Save Money

If you're looking to save money on your trip, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Carpool with friends or family to split the cost of gas.
  • Check the traffic before heading out and try to avoid peak travel times. This can save you time and money on gas.
  • Consider taking public transportation if it's available, as this can be a cheaper option than driving yourself.
  • Use a gas rewards credit card to earn cash back or points on your gas purchases.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Arlington, Virginia and Friendly, Maryland will depend on the route you take and current gas prices. We recommend Route 1: I-495 and MD-210 for its directness and low cost. However, it's important to keep in mind that traffic can be heavy at times and to factor in any additional expenses such as tolls and parking fees. By following our tips to save money, you can make your trip more affordable and enjoyable. Safe travels!