The Cost of a Trip from Beckley, West Virginia to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

If you are planning a trip from Beckley, West Virginia to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, it is important to consider the cost of the journey. One of the major factors impacting the overall cost is the rising gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes for this trip and highlight the associated costs and distances. By the end, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best route to take.

Route 1: Via I-81 N

The first route we will consider is via I-81 N, a commonly chosen path for travelers. To get on I-81 N from Beckley, West Virginia, you need to head northeast on US-19 S. This route takes you through numerous towns and cities, including Princeton, Tazewell, Wytheville, Radford, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, and Winchester, before reaching Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The total distance of this route is approximately 340 miles and it takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The average gas price along this route is $3.00 per gallon.

To estimate the fuel cost, we need to consider the average fuel efficiency of vehicles and the mileage covered. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total amount of gas required for the journey would be approximately 13.6 gallons. Consequently, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be around $40.80.

Route 2: Via WV-3 E and I-77 N

Another feasible route is via WV-3 E and I-77 N. This route is slightly longer but may be preferred by some depending on their specific needs and preferences. To embark on this route, head east on US-19 S in Beckley, West Virginia, and then take the exit onto WV-3 E. Continue on WV-3 E until you reach I-77 N, and then follow this interstate all the way to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The total distance covered by this route is approximately 360 miles, making the journey duration around 6 hours and 45 minutes. The average fuel price along this route is $3.10 per gallon.

Considering the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 14.4 gallons of gas. Thus, the estimated fuel cost for this route would amount to around $44.64.

Route 3: Via US-219 N and I-86 E

For those seeking an alternative route with slightly different scenery, we have the option of traveling via US-219 N and I-86 E. Begin by heading northeast on US-19 S in Beckley, West Virginia, and then merge onto US-219 N. Follow this road until it merges with I-86 E, which eventually takes you to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The total distance for this route is approximately 375 miles, and the expected travel time is roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes. The average gas price along this route is $3.20 per gallon.

Assuming the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would require approximately 15 gallons of gas. Consequently, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be around $48.00.

Route 4: Via I-64 E and I-79 N

Lastly, we have the option of taking a longer but potentially more scenic route via I-64 E and I-79 N. To begin this journey, head southeast on US-19 S in Beckley, West Virginia, and then take the exit onto I-64 E. Continue on I-64 E until you reach I-79 N, which will take you to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The total distance covered by this route is approximately 395 miles, leading to a travel time of about 7 hours and 45 minutes. The average fuel price along this route is $3.30 per gallon.

Based on the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 15.8 gallons of gas. Therefore, the estimated fuel cost for this route would be around $52.14.

Best Route Recommendation

After considering the different routes and their associated costs, the most reasonable option for this trip seems to be Route 1, which is via I-81 N. This route offers the shortest distance of approximately 340 miles, and the fuel cost estimates around $40.80. Moreover, the travel time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes is also the shortest among the discussed routes.

Though the other paths may have slight variations in scenery, the additional time and fuel costs make Route 1 the most practical choice for this particular journey.

Conclusion

Embarking on a trip from Beckley, West Virginia to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania requires careful consideration of the cost, distance, and time involved. After exploring the various possible routes, it is clear that Route 1, via I-81 N, is the most efficient in terms of both cost and travel time.

Covering a distance of approximately 340 miles, this journey takes roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete. With an estimated fuel cost of $40.80, Route 1 proves to be the convenient and economically sensible choice.