Driving Cost from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Plainsboro Township, New Jersey

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Atlantic City and Plainsboro Township: Navigating New Jersey’s Highways

If you’re planning a trip between Atlantic City and Plainsboro Township in New Jersey, you might be wondering what route to take and how much it will cost you. With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it can be difficult to estimate the total cost of a trip. However, by examining the various routes between these two locations and calculating the distances and gas prices along the way, we can make an educated guess about how much you can expect to pay.

The Best Routes Between Atlantic City and Plainsboro

There are a number of routes that will take you from Atlantic City to Plainsboro Township, each with its own pros and cons in terms of cost, distance, and traffic. Here are four of the best options:

Route 1: Take the Garden State Parkway and U.S. 195

The shortest distance and cheapest route takes you from the Garden State Parkway to the US-195 E in Jackson, then gets off at Exit 8 to merge onto NJ-33 W/Hightstown bypass for a minute. This route is approximately 75 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Route 2: Take the Atlantic City Expressway and I-295

The Atlantic City Expressway is a toll road so it's not the cheapest option. After taking this road with a toll that ranges between $3 and $4 each way, you will need to continue onto the I-295 N. Then, get off at Exit 63A and continue on NJ-33 E / Mercer St. This route is approximately 85 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Route 3: Take the Atlantic City Expressway and I-195

Similar to Route 2, this route starts with the Atlantic City Expressway to merge onto the I-195 W in Hamilton Township. From there, continue on I-195 W to Plainsboro via NJ-29 S or NJ-31 S. This route is approximately 101 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Route 4: Take the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike

If you are in a hurry to reach Plainsboro and willing to pay the tolls, consider taking the Garden State Parkway to the NJ Turnpike instead. Take the Parkway all the way to the southern end and merge onto the New Jersey Turnpike. Look for exit 8A to merge onto NJ-32 W towards NJ-130 N. This route is approximately 85 miles with an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Gas Prices and Costs

Keep in mind that the cost of gas is an ongoing variable that can change from day to day. As of August 2021, the average price for regular gas in New Jersey is around $3.10 per gallon. If your vehicle can get 25 miles per gallon you will to pay $0.124 per mile. This means that, to cover the distance between Atlantic City and Plainsboro, you can expect to pay the following:

  • For Route 1, you will drive about 75 miles each way, making your total expected gas cost $18.55 for the round trip.
  • For Route 2, you will drive about 85 miles each way and will need to spend $21.19 for the whole trip ($16.80 for gas and $4.39 for tolls).
  • For Route 3, you will drive about 101 miles each way and spend approximately $25 for gas if you take the NJ-29 S route or around $25.25 if you take the NJ-31 S route.
  • For Route 4, you will drive about 85 miles each way and will need to spend $27 in total on gas and tolls.

These are approximate costs based on current gas prices, and don’t include other expenses like food, lodging, or potential parking fees.

The Best Route

Based on distance and cost, Route 1 is the most appealing route for anyone wanting the shortest and cheapest road trip between Atlantic City and Plainsboro Township. Route 2 is a bit more expensive, but the Atlantic City Expressway offers a smooth and easy-to-follow commute for anyone who’s willing to shell out a little extra cash in tolls. Similarly, Routes 3 and 4 offer alternative options that add in more distance and higher costs due to additional tolls, but might be better options to avoid traffic conditions.

Conclusion

Navigating New Jersey’s highways can be a challenging experience, with multiple routes and varying gas prices to consider. In this article, we’ve examined the four best routes between Atlantic City and Plainsboro Township, and discussed the approximate costs of each based on current gas prices. While there’s no one “right” answer when it comes to choosing the right route, taking your time, considering traffic conditions, and paying attention to gas prices can help you plan a trip that’s affordable, efficient, and stress-free.