The Cost of a Road Trip between Bar Harbor, Maine and Hagerstown, Maryland
Are you planning a road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Hagerstown, Maryland? If so, you may be wondering about the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. There are different possible routes, and the cost and distance of each one can vary significantly. In this article, we will break down the different options and recommend the best route for your journey.
Possible Routes
There are several possible routes to travel from Bar Harbor to Hagerstown, each with its own pros and cons. Here are the four main options:
Route 1: I-95 and I-270
This route is the most direct path from Bar Harbor to Hagerstown. You will take I-95 South and then switch to I-270 West once you reach the Washington, DC, area. This route covers a total distance of approximately 790 miles and takes about 12 hours to complete.
Route 2: I-95, I-495, and I-270
This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but it avoids some of the traffic congestion around the Washington, DC, area. You will take I-95 South, then I-495 West (also known as the Capital Beltway), and finally I-270 West. This route covers a total distance of approximately 815 miles and takes about 12.5 hours to complete.
Route 3: US-1 and I-81
This route follows US-1 South and I-81 South. It is longer and slower than the other options, but it offers scenic views of the countryside. This route covers a total distance of approximately 940 miles and takes about 15 hours to complete.
Route 4: I-95, I-695, and I-70
This route is slightly longer than Route 1 but avoids the traffic congestion around the Washington, DC, area. You will take I-95 South, then I-695 West (also known as the Baltimore Beltway), and finally I-70 West. This route covers a total distance of approximately 825 miles and takes about 12.5 hours to complete.
Cost and Distance Comparison
To estimate the cost of each route, we will assume a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and the average gas price in October 2021, which was $3.21 per gallon. We will also use the distance estimates provided by Google Maps. Here is a comparison of the cost and distance of each route:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Gas Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 790 | 101.28 |
| 2 | 815 | 104.44 |
| 3 | 940 | 120.32 |
| 4 | 825 | 105.60 |
As you can see, Route 3 is the longest and most expensive route to take, while Route 1 is the shortest and cheapest. However, there isn't a significant cost difference between the four possible routes.
Recommended Route
Based on the cost and distance comparison, we recommend taking Route 1, which is the most direct and cheapest option. While there may be some traffic congestion around urban areas, especially during rush hour, it is still the fastest and most efficient route to take.
Conclusion
If you're planning a road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to Hagerstown, Maryland, there are several possible routes to choose from. While the cost and distance of each route can vary significantly, the difference isn't significant enough to make a drastic impact on your budget. We recommend taking Route 1, which is the most direct and cheapest option available. With a distance of approximately 790 miles, it should take about 12 hours to complete, depending on traffic conditions. Happy travels!