The Cost of Driving from Athens, West Virginia to La Plata, Maryland

Are you planning a road trip from Athens, West Virginia to La Plata, Maryland? It's important to take into account the cost of gas and tolls when mapping out your journey. Here are some potential routes, distances, times, and costs to help you plan your trip.

Route 1: The Fastest Option

The quickest way to get from Athens to La Plata is via I-64 E and I-95 S. This route covers a distance of 435 miles and will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to drive without stops.

At the current nationwide average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, and if your vehicle gets 25 miles to the gallon (mpg) on the highway, you can expect to spend roughly $105 on gas for this route. Additionally, there are several tolls to factor in, including a $13.50 toll on the West Virginia Turnpike and a $6.90 toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This brings the total cost of this route to approximately $126.40.

Route 2: A Scenic Ride Through Virginia

If you prefer a more scenic route, consider taking I-77 S to US-460 E to I-95 S. This route covers a distance of 509 miles and will take approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes to drive without stops.

Using the same gas price and mpg example as before, you can expect to spend roughly $145 on gas for this route. There are no added tolls on this route, making the total cost approximately $145.

Route 3: A Coastal Drive

Another option is to take US-29 S to US-301 S. This route covers a distance of 518 miles and will take approximately 9 hours to drive without stops.

Using the same gas price and mpg example, you can expect to spend roughly $148 on gas for this route. There are also tolls to factor in, including a $13.50 toll on the West Virginia Turnpike, a $6.90 toll on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and a $6.00 toll on the Governor Nice Memorial Bridge. The total cost for this route is approximately $174.40.

Conclusion

When planning your trip from Athens, West Virginia to La Plata, Maryland, it's important to consider the cost of gas and tolls. Route 1 is the fastest but most expensive option, while Route 2 is the cheapest but longest. Route 3 offers a scenic coastal drive but includes additional tolls. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your budget and preferred driving experience. Safe travels!