Bel Air, Maryland to Charleston, West Virginia: The Cost of Your Trip Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Bel Air, Maryland to Charleston, West Virginia? Before you hit the road, it’s important to consider the cost of driving. Gas prices can fluctuate day by day, so here’s a breakdown of the different routes you can take, how long they’ll take, and how much you’ll spend on gas and tolls.

Route 1: I-70 West to I-68 West

Distance: 278 miles
Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Gas Cost: Approximately $45.14
Toll Cost: $21.20 for the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Driving on I-70 West to I-68 West is the most direct route from Bel Air to Charleston. The scenic drive will take you through the mountains of western Maryland and Pennsylvania. When we calculated the gas cost, we assumed an average gas price of $2.98 per gallon and that your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon.

Route 2: I-95 South to I-64 West

Distance: 415 miles
Time: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Gas Cost: Approximately $52.09
Toll Cost: None

If you prefer to take the highways, you can drive south on I-95 to Richmond, Virginia, and then take I-64 West to Charleston. Although this route is longer, it may save time depending on traffic. When we calculated the gas cost, we assumed an average gas price of $2.98 per gallon and that your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon.

Route 3: Scenic Route through Shenandoah National Park

Distance: 460 miles
Time: 10 hours
Gas Cost: Approximately $57.61
Toll Cost: None

For those who love scenic routes, this option may be for you. Drive on Route 522 South from Bel Air and into Shenandoah National Park. Take your time enjoying the scenic views before continuing on Route 64 into West Virginia. When we calculated the gas cost, we assumed an average gas price of $2.98 per gallon and that your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon.

Route 4: Taking Bridges and Tunnels through Hampton Roads

Distance: 441 miles
Time: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Gas Cost: Approximately $55.45
Toll Cost: $29 if using the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

If you want to take a more interesting route, you can drive south on I-95 to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which stretches 23 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, before heading west on Route 64 to Charleston. When we calculated the gas cost, we assumed an average gas price of $2.98 per gallon and that your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, driving to Charleston from Bel Air can be expensive. When calculating the estimated gas cost, we assumed an average gas price of $2.98 per gallon and that your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon. However, gas prices can vary wildly depending on where you fill up, so make sure to shop around for the best price. Also, remember to factor in meals and lodging if you’re driving a long distance. Safe travels!