The Cost of a Trip between Baltimore, Maryland and New Brunswick, New Jersey: A Guide to Route Options

If you're looking to travel from Baltimore, Maryland to New Brunswick, New Jersey, you have a variety of transportation options to consider. From car to bus to train, there are pros and cons to each option, including cost and comfort. In this guide, we'll take a look at each transportation option and provide a breakdown of the costs associated with the different routes you can take.

Route Options for Driving

If you decide to take a car, there are several routes you can take to get from Baltimore to New Brunswick. The most direct route, according to Google Maps, is I-95 North, but there are other options to consider as well. Here are the most popular route options:

I-95 North

The most direct route from Baltimore to New Brunswick is via I-95 North. This route is approximately 180 miles, and Google Maps estimates that the trip will take just over three hours. According to AAA, the cost of driving this distance will vary depending on the vehicle you are driving, the price of gas, and other factors. As of August 2021, the average cost of regular gas in Maryland is $3.11 per gallon and in New Jersey is $3.19 per gallon.

Using AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator, we can estimate the cost of gas for a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG). According to the calculator, the estimated cost of gas for a one-way trip from Baltimore to New Brunswick would be approximately $23.04.

I-95 North to I-295 North

Another route option is to take I-95 North until you reach Exit 46 to I-295 North. This will add approximately 10 miles to your trip but may save you time in the long run, depending on traffic. The estimated travel time for this route is also just over three hours, and the estimated cost of gas is approximately $23.62 using the same vehicle and gas prices as above.

US-40 East to NJ Turnpike

A third route option is to take US-40 East until you reach the New Jersey Turnpike. This route is approximately 175 miles and, according to Google Maps, will take just over three hours to complete. The estimated cost of gas for this route is approximately $22.18 using the same vehicle and gas prices as above.

Recommendation

While all three routes have their pros and cons, the I-95 North route is likely the best option for most travelers. It's the most direct route, and while there may be more traffic at times, it's usually the fastest way to get from Baltimore to New Brunswick. Additionally, gas prices are similar throughout each state in the region, so costs should be relatively comparable no matter which route you choose.

Bus Route Option

Another transportation option to consider is taking a bus. Greyhound offers service from Baltimore to New Brunswick, with several departure times available each day. According to Greyhound's website, the cost of a one-way ticket for this trip ranges from $29 to $47, depending on the departure time and whether you purchase your ticket in advance.

Train Route Option

The final transportation option to consider is taking the train. Amtrak offers service from Baltimore to New Brunswick, with several departure times available each day. According to Amtrak's website, the cost of a one-way ticket for this trip ranges from $34 to $57, depending on the departure time and whether you purchase your ticket in advance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of which transportation option to choose depends on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences. If you prefer to drive, the I-95 North route is likely the best option. If you don't have a car or prefer not to drive, Greyhound and Amtrak both offer affordable options for getting from Baltimore to New Brunswick. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, it's important to keep in mind the cost of gas (if you're driving) and to factor in travel time to ensure you arrive at your destination on time. Regardless of the transportation method you choose, the trip can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and other factors.