The Cost of a Trip between Ashfield and Lincoln: The Impact of Gas Prices

Traveling from Ashfield to Lincoln offers a myriad of options, including by car, train, or bus. Each mode of travel is different and offers its own advantages and disadvantages. However, with the current gasoline prices and the distance between Ashfield in Nottinghamshire and Lincoln in Lincolnshire, it can be difficult to determine which route to take. In this article, we explore the different possible routes and their costs to help you make an informed decision.

Route 1: By Car

If you choose to take the car, there are two main routes to consider: the A17 and A46. The A17 route is approximately 44.1 miles long while the A46 route is longer, covering about 58.5 miles.

The A17 route is the shortest and arguably the most direct when you travel between Ashfield and Lincoln. The trip should take around an hour or less, depending on traffic conditions. This is a friendly route to those with fuel-efficient cars, given the short distance and relatively flat landscape. However, the most significant disadvantage is the traffic congestion, which is common between Newark and Lincoln.

On the other hand, the A46 route is less congested since it passes through a less populated area and, therefore, has less traffic than the other highways in the region. The trip should take less than 1 hour, but you will incur additional fuel costs due to the distance and the slightly hilly terrain.

Currently, the average gasoline price in Ashfield is approximately 0.128 GBP per liter. Therefore, the fuel cost for the A17 route is about 8.14 GBP, while that of the A46 route is about 10.85 GBP. Nevertheless, the fuel cost may change depending on the type of car you are using, fuel efficiency, and the current gas price per liter.

Route 2: By Train

Another viable route to consider is the train. The train station in Ashfield is Kirkby-in-Ashfield, where you can catch a direct train to Lincoln. This is a stress-free option and is beneficial to those who do not possess a car, visitors, or when you wish to avoid driving. With this choice, it’s important to check the train schedule since the service can vary. The trip’s duration also varies depending on the train you take and any possible layovers. However, brace yourself for a longer trip, since the shortest journey time is approximately 2 hours.

The train fare also varies, with average prices ranging between 17 GBP to 28 GBP per person, depending on the time of travel. One can get significant discounts if booked in advance and with options like the use of a railcard or buying combined train and bus fare.

Route 3: By Bus

Lastly, another option is to take the bus. The bus service operates from the towns accessible in Ashfield and Lincoln, with convenient starting times. The most common operators on this route are National Express, Redline Buses, and Stagecoach, among others. The route is relatively direct, with little or no disruptions due to traffic jams or other environmental factors. The disadvantage of this option is the length of travel and the possibility of multiple stops, as the routes are not always nonstop. Nonetheless, it’s the cheapest option, making it preferable for those on a tight budget.

The bus fare is affordable and ranges between 6 GBP and 20 GBP, depending on the bus class, time of travel, and route. The duration of the trip typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours but can also take up to 3 hours.

Conclusion

It is evident that there are many routes to choose from when traveling from Ashfield to Lincoln, each with its own pros and cons. Nonetheless, what matters most is your budget, the time you have, and personal preferences. If a budget-friendly trip is what you are looking for, then taking the bus might be the best option. However, if you have a car, then it's best to choose between the A17 or A46 route, depending on the traffic and fuel costs. Lastly, the train is the fastest but also one of the most expensive modes of transportation on this route.

The travel duration varies on the route one takes and their choice of transport from Ashfield to Lincoln. However, the recommended route would be the A17 route when driving. This is because it is the shortest, has relatively flat terrain, and affordable due to its lower fuel cost. The average time it might take to travel from Ashfield to Lincoln is between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the mode of transportation, and traffic conditions.