How Much Does It Cost to Drive from Arlington, Virginia to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington, Virginia to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? It’s a beautiful drive that takes you through scenic towns and landmarks. However, before you hit the road, it's essential to know the cost of the trip, especially with current gas prices skyrocketing. In this post, we’ll break down the different routes, their distance, time, and associated cost, including gas prices and tolls.

Route 1: I-66 W and I-81 N

This route takes you through beautiful Virginia and scenic West Virginia to Pennsylvania. To reach your destination, you’ll cover approximately 195 miles, and it'll take you around three hours and thirty minutes. Plus, you'll encounter about $33 of tolls along the way, depending on your car type and discounts. Keep in mind that gas in Virginia on average is $2.94, and in Pennsylvania, it’s $3.20 per gallon, which means that with a car averaging 25 MPG to cover this distance, you'll use approximately eight gallons, totaling a gas cost of around $45.

Route 2: US-15 N and I-83 N

This route takes you through the countryside of Virginia and Maryland to reach Harrisburg, passing landmarks such as Gettysburg. You'll cover approximately 135 miles to reach your destination, and it'll take you around two hours and forty minutes. There are about $14 of tolls along the way; again, this depends on your car type and discounts. With the same car averaging 25 MPG, the gas cost will be approximately $31. However, keep in mind that the cost of gas for Virginia and Pennsylvania remains the same.

Route 3: VA-267 W, I-495, US-15 N, and I-83 N

This route takes you through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It provides an alternate route with more stops and attractions along the way. You'll cover approximately 155 miles, and it'll take you around two hours and fifty minutes. The cost includes roughly $19 of tolls, depending on your car type and discounts. With the same car averaging 25 MPG, the gas cost will be approximately $36, given the consistent gas prices.

Final Thoughts

With all the information provided above, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on which route to choose based on your preferences and budget. However, keep in mind other factors like traffic and road conditions that might affect your journey. Also, note that the gas prices and tolls used in this post are an approximation, and they can vary depending on your car, gas station, and discounts. For a more personalized cost evaluation, use a Fuel Calculator, map out your journey, and have a great road trip!