The Cost of a Trip between Ashford and Rushmoor: Navigating Through the Gas Prices

Travelling between the idyllic town of Ashford and the bustling district of Rushmoor may look like a simple journey on the map, but behind the scenes is a maze of routes, timings, and costs. The furthest distance between the two places is approximately 68 miles, and depending on your mode of transportation, whether by car, bus, or train, the prices and travel time could vary drastically. However, one important element to consider while planning your trip is the constant fluctuation of gas prices, which can make a significant difference in your budget and itinerary. In this article, we will help you navigate through the cost of a trip between Ashford and Rushmoor, based on current gas prices, and suggest the most optimal routes to take.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car and want to factor in the current gas prices into your budget, then you should know that the average cost of petrol in the United Kingdom as of 14 June 2021 is £1.27 per litre. According to Google Maps, there are two main routes that you can take between Ashford and Rushmoor: the M20 and A20/A25/A287 route, or the M25 route. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the brand of petrol and the location of the station, so we have estimated the cost based on the average rate using a petrol calculator.

M20 and A20/A25/A287 Route

This route covers a distance of approximately 62 miles and takes around an hour and 20 minutes to complete. It is also the most direct route between the two locations. The petrol calculator estimates that for a car with a fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon, you would need around 1.77 gallons of petrol for this journey, which would cost around £7.92.

M25 Route

This route is slightly longer than the previous one, with a distance of approximately 68 miles, and it takes around an hour and 36 minutes to complete. Depending on your starting point and the direction of your journey, the route may change slightly, but the core of it will still be the M25 motorway. If you are travelling from Ashford to Rushmoor, Google Maps recommends taking the M25 anticlockwise. For this route, you would need around 2.03 gallons of petrol, costing around £9.73.

By Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, there are several options available that run by different operators, such as National Express and Stagecoach South East. However, there is no direct bus route between Ashford and Rushmoor, so you may have to switch buses or take a bus to a nearby station and then take a train. In general, bus tickets are cheaper than train tickets, but they may also take longer to reach their destination.

Bus and Train

One option to consider is taking a bus from Ashford to Guildford and then taking a train from Guildford to Aldershot, which is a town in Rushmoor district. National Express offers a direct bus service from Ashford to Guildford, which costs around £8.80 for a one-way ticket. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 46 miles. Once you arrive at Guildford, you can take a train to Aldershot, which takes around 20 minutes and costs around £7.50 for a one-way ticket.

By Train

Travelling by train is usually the fastest option, but it may also be the most expensive. The journey time between Ashford International Railway Station and Aldershot Railway Station is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 67 miles. The price of the train ticket may vary depending on the time of day, whether it’s peak or off-peak hours, and how far in advance you book the ticket. There are also different types of tickets available, such as advance tickets, off-peak tickets, and anytime tickets.

Off-Peak and Anytime Tickets

If you book an off-peak ticket, which are valid for travel outside of peak hours, you may save money compared to an anytime ticket, which allows you to take any train at any time. For example, if you book an off-peak ticket from Ashford International to Aldershot with South Western Railway, it could cost around £26.90 for a one-way ticket, while an anytime ticket could cost around £66.20.

Advance Tickets

Alternatively, you can look for advance tickets, which can be significantly cheaper if you book in advance. Advance tickets are usually available up to 12 weeks before the planned travel date and come with limited availability. For instance, if you book an advance ticket from Ashford International to Aldershot with South Western Railway, you could find tickets as low as £10.50 for a one-way journey, which is a considerable saving compared to other types of tickets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are different routes available to travel from Ashford to Rushmoor, and the choices that you make can significantly impact the cost and time of your journey. While travelling by car may appear to be the most straightforward option, you should also consider the gas prices, as different routes may have different consumption rates. If you prefer to travel by public transportation, taking a bus and train may be the most cost-effective option, but it may also take longer to reach your destination. Lastly, if you prioritize time over cost, travelling by train may be the most efficient option, but you should also explore different types of tickets to find the best deal. By taking the time to research and plan your journey, you can save money and make your travel experience hassle-free.