The Cost of Driving From Bel Air, Maryland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Bel Air, Maryland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania? One of the first things you should consider is the cost of driving. Gas prices and toll fees can add up quickly, so it's important to plan your route carefully.

Luckily, there are multiple routes you can take to get to Lancaster, each with its own distance, time, and cost. Here are some options to consider:

Route 1: Taking the I-95 and I-83

If you take this route, your trip from Bel Air to Lancaster will be approximately 100 miles. You'll start on the I-95 North and exit onto I-83 North in Baltimore. Keep driving on I-83 North all the way to York, Pennsylvania, then take US-30 West until you reach Lancaster.

The entire trip should take you around 2 hours. If your car gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, you'll be spending around $10 on gas. Additionally, there are no tolls on this route, so your driving costs will remain low.

Route 2: Taking the US-1, US-222, and PA-272

Alternatively, you can take a longer route but avoid major highways. Start by taking the US-1 North until you reach the US-222 North in Rising Sun. Keep driving on US-222 North until you reach PA-272, which will take you all the way to Lancaster.

This route is around 75 miles, but because it's mostly on smaller roads, it can take around 2.5 hours to complete. However, you'll enjoy some scenic views on the way. If you count on the same gas prices and MPG as before, expect to spend about $7.5 on gas. You'll also need to pay $1 for a toll when crossing the Susquehanna River.

Route 3: Taking the US-1 and US-30

A third alternative is to follow the US-1 North until you reach the US-30 West. Keep going on US-30 until you reach Lancaster.

This route is about 95 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. Gas prices and MPG would be the same as Route 1, meaning you'll spend around $9.5 on gas. Additionally, you'll need to pay $1 for a toll at the Susquehanna River crossing and $2.80 for an EZ Pass toll at Gettysburg Pike.

Conclusion

In the end, which route you pick depends on the time, distance, and cost you're willing to spend. There's no right or wrong choice; it's all about personal preference. However, by knowing what each route entails, you'll make an informed decision and save money. Happy travels!