Driving from Ashburn, Virginia to Annapolis, Maryland: The Cost Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Ashburn, Virginia to Annapolis, Maryland? Driving can be a great way to see the sights and enjoy some freedom, but it's important to budget for gas, tolls, and other expenses. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving this route based on current gas prices.

The Route

There are a few different ways to get from Ashburn to Annapolis, but we'll focus on the two most common routes. The first is taking the toll road, which includes the Dulles Greenway and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95). The second is taking non-toll roads, which include VA-7 and US-50.

The Distance and Time

The toll road route is approximately 95 miles one-way and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. However, there is usually some traffic on I-95, so plan for a longer drive time during rush hour or peak travel times. The non-toll road route is slightly longer, coming in at around 105 miles and taking about 2 hours and 10 minutes without traffic.

The Cost

The cost of driving from Ashburn to Annapolis will depend on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, gas prices, and toll prices. Currently, the average gas price in Virginia is $2.53 per gallon, while the average gas price in Maryland is $2.59 per gallon. Here's a breakdown of the cost for each route:

Toll Road Route

Assuming your car gets about 25 miles per gallon and you take the toll road route, you will need 4 gallons of gas for the trip. At the current gas prices, that means you can expect to pay around $10.12 for gas each way. On top of that, there are tolls to consider. The Dulles Greenway costs $4.75, while the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway costs $8.00 (for a total of $12.75 in tolls). So, the total cost for the toll road route is approximately $22.87 each way.

Non-Toll Road Route

If you take the non-toll road route, you will need to drive a little further and use a little more gas. Assuming the same fuel efficiency as before, you will need around 4.2 gallons of gas for the trip. That means you can expect to pay around $10.76 for gas each way. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost for the non-toll road route is approximately $10.76 each way.

Conclusion

In summary, driving from Ashburn to Annapolis can cost anywhere from $10.76 to $22.87 each way, depending on the route you choose and the current gas prices. If you take the toll road route, be sure to factor in the extra time for paying tolls and the potential for traffic on I-95. No matter which route you take, make sure to budget for gas, tolls, and any other travel expenses so you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.