Driving Cost from Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania to Durham, North Carolina

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania and Durham, North Carolina

Are you planning a trip from Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania to Durham, North Carolina? One of the important factors to consider when planning a trip is the cost involved, especially in terms of transportation. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two locations and highlight the cost and distance associated with each one. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision and find the most economical route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

  1. Route 1: Via I-95 South

If you take Route 1, which involves traveling on I-95 South, you will cover a distance of approximately 540 miles. This is one of the most direct routes between Bechtelsville and Durham. However, keep in mind that this route includes several toll roads, so make sure to budget accordingly. The estimated cost of tolls for this route is around $45, depending on the specific toll rates and your vehicle class. Additionally, consider the time spent waiting at toll booths, which can slow down your journey.

  1. Route 2: Via I-83 South

Another option is to take Route 2, which entails traveling on I-83 South. This route spans a distance of approximately 500 miles. Unlike Route 1, it does not involve any toll roads, which can help you save money. However, keep in mind that this route may have more traffic congestion, especially around major cities such as Baltimore, so plan your departure time accordingly. Despite the potential for traffic delays, this route offers a more cost-effective option.

  1. Route 3: Via I-70 West

If you prefer a slightly longer route but want to avoid toll roads entirely, Route 3 might be a viable choice. This route takes you on I-70 West and covers a distance of approximately 600 miles. While it may seem counterintuitive to select a longer route, the absence of tolls can compensate for the additional mileage. Additionally, this route offers beautiful scenic drives through the Appalachian Mountains, allowing you to enjoy the journey while saving money on tolls.

Calculating Fuel Costs

When it comes to planning the cost of your trip, fuel expenses are a significant consideration. To estimate the fuel costs, we will assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and use current gas prices as a benchmark. As gas prices can fluctuate, it is essential to check for real-time prices before your journey.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, as of writing this article, is $3.10 per gallon. Let's calculate the estimated fuel costs for each route based on the distances mentioned earlier.

  1. Route 1: Via I-95 South

Based on an estimated distance of 540 miles, dividing by an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg gives us 21.6 gallons of gasoline required for this route. At the current gas price of $3.10 per gallon, the total estimated fuel cost for Route 1 is approximately $67. Total fuel costs may vary depending on factors such as driving speed, traffic conditions, and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

  1. Route 2: Via I-83 South

With a distance of approximately 500 miles, divided by an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, we will need 20 gallons of gasoline for this route. With the current gas price of $3.10 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost for Route 2 is roughly $62. As mentioned earlier, please consider that variations in fuel efficiency can affect the total cost.

  1. Route 3: Via I-70 West

As Route 3 covers a distance of approximately 600 miles, dividing by an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg yields 24 gallons of gasoline required. Therefore, at the current gas price of $3.10 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost for Route 3 is approximately $74. Although this route has no toll expenses, the higher mileage results in slightly increased fuel costs.

Considering Time and Distance

In addition to cost considerations, the duration of your journey is also a crucial aspect to contemplate. Let's examine the estimated travel time for each route.

  1. Route 1: Via I-95 South

This route covers a distance of approximately 540 miles. Driving at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (mph) would result in an estimated travel time of around 8 hours and 18 minutes.

  1. Route 2: Via I-83 South

With a distance of approximately 500 miles, and assuming an average speed of 65 mph, this route will generally take around 7 hours and 41 minutes to complete.

  1. Route 3: Via I-70 West

As Route 3 covers a longer distance of approximately 600 miles, driving at an average speed of 65 mph would result in an estimated travel time of about 9 hours and 13 minutes.

Considering both the cost and time factors, it becomes evident that Route 2: Via I-83 South offers the most attractive option for this trip. Not only does it minimize toll expenses, but it also provides a relatively shorter travel time along with a direct route. However, personal preferences and priorities may differ, so it is crucial to assess your individual needs and make the final decision accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip between Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania and Durham, North Carolina involves considering the cost of transportation, specifically the expenses associated with gas and tolls. After evaluating the different route options, we recommend Route 2: Via I-83 South as the most economical option based on current gas prices. This route offers a distance of approximately 500 miles and avoids toll roads, resulting in an estimated fuel cost of around $62.

Keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate, so it is essential to check for real-time prices before embarking on your journey. Additionally, consider factors such as traffic congestion and personal preferences when making your final decision. Safe travels!