The Cost of a Trip from Baltimore to Kemp Mill: Finding the Cheapest Route
As gas prices continue to fluctuate, it's important to consider the cost of travel for any trip. Whether you're commuting for work or traveling for leisure, finding the cheapest route is always a priority. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Baltimore, Maryland, and Kemp Mill, Maryland, and explore the different routes available.
Route Options
Before considering the cost, it's important to look at the potential routes between Baltimore and Kemp Mill. There are a few routes available, the most popular being I-95 and I-495. However, there are a couple of alternatives to these oft-traveled routes.
I-95 and I-495
The most direct route between Baltimore and Kemp Mill is I-95 and I-495. This route takes drivers through Washington D.C. and is approximately 57 miles long. Travel time can vary depending on traffic but is typically about one hour and fifteen minutes without congestion.
US-29 and I-495
Another route is US-29 and I-495, which is slightly longer than I-95 and I-495 but can be a less stressful drive, as it bypasses the D.C. area. This route is about 64 miles long and takes drivers through Silver Spring before reaching Kemp Mill. Without traffic, it takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes to travel.
Alternative Routes
There are some alternative routes that could be considered, but they often add time to the trip. Taking MD-200 W and I-370 W is a 71-mile-long route and takes about an hour and forty minutes. While taking MD-32 E and US-29 S is a 75-mile-long route and takes about an hour and forty-five minutes.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost, there are a few factors to consider, such as gas prices, tolls, and potential parking fees. Below, we'll explore the costs specific to each route.
I-95 and I-495
Tolls are a major factor when it comes to the cost of this route. Drivers need to pay a $4 toll when crossing the Susquehanna River, two $4 tolls for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, and $3.50 to cross the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The total cost of tolls for one-way travel is $15.50.
The cost of gas can also add up, especially if your vehicle has poor gas mileage. Using the average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and estimating a vehicle with a 25 MPG rating, the cost of gas one-way on this route is approximately $6.84.
There are no parking fees to consider when driving between Baltimore and Kemp Mill.
Therefore, the estimated cost of this route, including tolls and gas, is $22.34.
US-29 and I-495
Tolls are not necessary for this route, so travelers can save money right away. However, the estimated cost of gas one-way is slightly more than the I-95 and I-495 route, due to the added distance. Using the same gas price and MPG rating as before, it's estimated that the cost of gas one-way on this route is approximately $7.62.
Parking fees may be a factor when taking this route, depending on the final destination in Kemp Mill. However, since parking fees can vary greatly, we won't include them in our estimated cost.
Therefore, the estimated cost of this route, specifically for gas, is $7.62.
Alternative Routes
While alternative routes may be cheaper in terms of tolls or even gas, they tend to be significantly longer, thereby increasing travel time. It's important to consider whether the extra time on the road is worth the potential savings.
Taking MD-200 W and I-370 W doesn't require any tolls, but the estimated cost of gas one-way is approximately $8.16.
Taking MD-32 E and US-29 S doesn't require any tolls and the estimated cost of gas one-way is approximately $8.64.
Conclusion
After exploring the different routes between Baltimore and Kemp Mill and comparing the costs, it's clear that US-29 and I-495 is the most cost-effective. Not only does it save on tolls, but it's estimated to cost only $7.62 for gas, which is significantly less than the other routes.
When planning a trip between Baltimore and Kemp Mill, it's important to consider the cost of travel to ensure that you're getting the most for your money. By choosing the most cost-effective route, you can save money and enjoy your trip to its fullest.
Based on the route chosen, travelers can expect to spend approximately one hour and twenty minutes traveling between Baltimore, Maryland, and Kemp Mill, Maryland.