The Cost of a Trip from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Upper Marlboro, Maryland: A Comparison of Routes
If you are planning a trip from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, there are several routes you can take. The most important factors to consider when choosing your route will be distance, travel time, and cost. In this article, we will explore the different route options available to you and compare the cost of each one based on current gas prices.
Route Options
Route 1: I-70 E
One route option for traveling from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Upper Marlboro, Maryland is to take I-70 E. This route will take you through Harrisburg, PA, and Frederick, MD. This is the shortest route but also the route with the fewest amenities. The distance is 138.4 miles, and the estimated driving time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Route 2: US-322 E and I-83 S
Another route option is to take US-322 E to I-83 S. This will take you through Hershey, PA, and Baltimore, MD. This route is slightly longer than Route 1 and is a better option if you prefer more amenities along the way. The distance is 157 miles, and the estimated driving time is 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Route 3: I-80 E and I-270 S
A third route option is to take I-80 E to I-270 S. This route will take you through Allentown, PA, and Rockville, MD. This is the longest route but also the one with the most amenities along the way. The distance is 220.8 miles, and the estimated driving time is 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Cost Comparison
To compare the cost of each route, we will use the average gas price in Pennsylvania and Maryland, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. As of August 2021, the average price of regular unleaded gas in Pennsylvania is $3.23 per gallon, and in Maryland, it is $3.02 per gallon.
Route 1: I-70 E
The distance for this route is 138.4 miles. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), this route would require 5.54 gallons of gas. Therefore, the cost of gas for this route would be $17.87 in Pennsylvania and $16.74 in Maryland, totaling $34.61 for the trip.
Route 2: US-322 E and I-83 S
The distance for this route is 157 miles. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, this route would require 6.28 gallons of gas. Therefore, the cost of gas for this route would be $20.33 in Pennsylvania and $19.00 in Maryland, totaling $39.33 for the trip.
Route 3: I-80 E and I-270 S
The distance for this route is 220.8 miles. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, this route would require 8.83 gallons of gas. Therefore, the cost of gas for this route would be $28.54 in Pennsylvania and $27.00 in Maryland, totaling $55.54 for the trip.
Recommended Route
Based on our analysis, Route 1, I-70 E, is the most economical route, costing a total of $34.61 for the trip. However, if you prefer more amenities along the way, Route 2, US-322 E and I-83 S, is a good option as well, with a total cost of $39.33 for the trip. Route 3, I-80 E and I-270 S, is the most expensive option and not recommended unless you have a specific reason for taking this route.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for the most cost-effective option for traveling from Bellefonte, Pennsylvania to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Route 1, I-70 E, is the way to go. It is the shortest route and has the lowest cost of gas for the trip. However, if you prefer more amenities along the way, Route 2, US-322 E and I-83 S, is a good option as well. Regardless of which route you choose, it is important to keep in mind the cost of gas and plan accordingly for your trip. Safe travels!