Driving Cost from Bellmawr, New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Bellmawr, New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Bellmawr, New Jersey to Richmond, Virginia? If so, the first thing you'll need to know is the cost of the trip. The total cost of the trip will depend on several factors, including the distance of the trip, the price of gasoline, and whether you stay overnight along the way. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the cost of a trip between Bellmawr, New Jersey, and Richmond, Virginia, including different routes and possible expenses.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from Bellmawr, New Jersey, to Richmond, Virginia. One of the most direct routes is to take I-95 South all the way to Richmond. This route is approximately 240 miles and usually takes around four hours to drive.

Another possible route is to take I-295 South towards Delaware Memorial Bridge, then head South on Delaware Route 1 towards Dover, and then take US-13 South to Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This route is 296 miles and takes around five hours and 15 minutes.

A third option is to take I-95 South to Philadelphia, and then take I-76 West and connect with I-70 West in Maryland. From there, you take I-81 South until it intersects with I-64 East, which will take you into Richmond. This route is approximately 346 miles, and it takes around six hours to drive.

Gasoline Costs

The biggest expense on your road trip will likely be gasoline. Gasoline prices fluctuate, so it's essential to check current prices before your trip. According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in New Jersey was $3.00 per gallon (as of June 2021). In contrast, the average price of gasoline in Virginia was $2.86 per gallon. With these prices in mind, we can estimate the total cost of gasoline for each of the three routes outlined above.

  • For the direct route (240 miles), you'll use about 8 gallons of gas each way, for a total of 16 gallons. At $3.00 per gallon, that will cost $48 each way or $96 for the round trip.

  • For the Delaware route (296 miles), you'll use about 10 gallons of gas each way, for a total of 20 gallons. At $3.00 per gallon, that will cost $60 each way or $120 for the round trip.

  • For the I-95 to I-70 route (346 miles), you'll use about 12 gallons each way, for a total of 24 gallons. At $3.00 per gallon, that will cost $72 each way or $144 for the round trip.

Additional Expenses

Gasoline prices are just one factor to consider when calculating the total cost of your trip. There may be a few other expenses to keep in mind, such as tolls, food, and lodging. Here's a breakdown of some potential additional costs:

  • Tolls: If you take the direct route to Richmond, you'll encounter two tolls: one in Delaware and another in Maryland. The Delaware toll is $4.00 (E-ZPass) or $5.00 (cash), and the Maryland toll is $8.00 (E-ZPass) or $10.00 (cash).

  • Food: This can vary depending on your eating habits. If you eat out for every meal, you may spend a few hundred dollars on food alone. You can save money by packing your meals or eating at inexpensive restaurants.

  • Lodging: If you decide to break up the drive and spend a night on the road, you'll need to budget for lodging expenses. The cost of a hotel room can vary widely depending on the location, quality, and time of year.

Final Verdict

After comparing the cost and distance of each route, we believe that the direct route via I-95 is the most cost-effective. Not only is it the shortest route, but it also has the fewest tolls along the way. If you have to stop for gas at some point, prices tend to be less expensive in Virginia, which will help keep costs down.

In conclusion, the total cost of a road trip from Bellmawr, New Jersey, to Richmond, Virginia, will depend on several factors. By estimating the cost of gasoline, tolls, and other potential expenses, you can determine a budget that works for you. Of course, it's always a good idea to keep a little extra cash on hand in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies. Overall, the trip should take around four hours via the direct route, making it a relatively short but enjoyable journey.