Driving Cost from Bellmore, New York to Hackensack, New Jersey

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The Cost of a Trip Between Bellmore, New York and Hackensack, New Jersey

Introduction

Planning a trip between Bellmore, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey? Besides considering the distance and time of travel, it is essential to account for the cost of the journey, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two locations and highlight the cost and distance of each option. By the end, you will have a clear recommendation on the best route, helping you make an informed decision for your upcoming trip.

Possible Routes

There are multiple possible routes to choose from when traveling between Bellmore, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey. Each route has its own distance and potential costs, which depend on variables such as gas prices, traffic conditions, and tolls. Let's delve into the details of each route below:

Route 1: Southern State Parkway and I-95

The first route option entails taking the Southern State Parkway and I-95. This route covers a total distance of approximately 43 miles. To embark on this journey, you will head west on Southern State Parkway from Bellmore until reaching the junction with I-95. From there, you will take I-95 south to Hackensack, New Jersey.

As you follow this route, it is essential to note that there are tolls on both the Southern State Parkway and I-95. The current toll rates range from $1.25 to $6.50 depending on the time of day and whether you have an E-ZPass. Keep in mind that if you do not have an E-ZPass, you might incur higher toll fees. Additionally, gas prices along this route may vary, impacting the overall cost of the trip.

Route 2: Meadowbrook State Parkway and Cross Island Parkway

The second possible route involves taking the Meadowbrook State Parkway and the Cross Island Parkway before eventually connecting to I-295 and I-95. This option covers a total distance of approximately 51 miles. To begin this journey, you will head south on the Meadowbrook State Parkway from Bellmore until reaching the junction with the Cross Island Parkway. Continue south on the Cross Island Parkway to connect with I-495, then proceed to I-295 and finally head south on I-95, reaching your destination in Hackensack, New Jersey.

While this route might be slightly longer than Route 1, it could be a more efficient choice depending on traffic conditions. Furthermore, as with Route 1, keep in mind that tolls will be applicable along the Meadowbrook State Parkway, Cross Island Parkway, and I-295, and gas prices may vary throughout this route.

Route 3: Wantagh State Parkway and Grand Central Parkway

The third option involves taking the Wantagh State Parkway and the Grand Central Parkway before connecting to I-678 and I-95. This route covers a total distance of approximately 43 miles. To embark on this journey, you will head west on the Wantagh State Parkway from Bellmore until reaching the junction with the Grand Central Parkway. Proceed west on the Grand Central Parkway, connect to I-678 South, and finally merge onto I-95 South to arrive in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Similar to the previous routes, this option includes tolls along the Wantagh State Parkway, Grand Central Parkway, and I-678, as well as fluctuating gas prices along the way.

Cost Analysis

To determine the cost of the trip between Bellmore, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey, we need to consider both toll expenses and fuel costs. As mentioned earlier, toll rates can vary depending on the time of day and whether you have an E-ZPass. Let's assume you have an E-ZPass for the sake of this analysis.

Assuming an average toll rate of $3.50 per toll plaza, here is an estimate of the toll expenses for each route:

  • Route 1 (Southern State Parkway and I-95): As both the Southern State Parkway and I-95 have tolls, you would encounter approximately three toll plazas, resulting in a total toll expense of $10.50.

  • Route 2 (Meadowbrook State Parkway and Cross Island Parkway): This route also includes three toll plazas along the Meadowbrook State Parkway, Cross Island Parkway, and I-295, resulting in a total toll expense of $10.50, matching Route 1.

  • Route 3 (Wantagh State Parkway and Grand Central Parkway): Similarly, this route comprises three toll plazas along the Wantagh State Parkway, Grand Central Parkway, and I-678, leading to a total toll expense of $10.50.

Considering fuel costs, it is important to note that gas prices can vary significantly and affect the overall cost of the trip. As of September 2021, the average gas price in New York is around $3.25 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, let's calculate the fuel expenses for each route:

  • Route 1 (Southern State Parkway and I-95): With a distance of approximately 43 miles, this route would require around 1.72 gallons of fuel, resulting in a fuel expense of $5.59.

  • Route 2 (Meadowbrook State Parkway and Cross Island Parkway): Covering a distance of approximately 51 miles, this route would require approximately 2.04 gallons of fuel, resulting in a fuel expense of $6.63.

  • Route 3 (Wantagh State Parkway and Grand Central Parkway): This route covers approximately 43 miles, similar to Route 1, so the fuel expense would also be around $5.59.

Determining the Best Route

To determine the best route, we need to consider both the overall cost and the distance traveled. Let's summarize the total costs of each route:

  • Route 1: Toll expense of $10.50 + Fuel expense of $5.59 = $16.09
  • Route 2: Toll expense of $10.50 + Fuel expense of $6.63 = $17.13
  • Route 3: Toll expense of $10.50 + Fuel expense of $5.59 = $16.09

Comparing the total costs, we can see that Route 1 and Route 3 have the same overall cost of $16.09. However, Route 2 is slightly more expensive with a total cost of $17.13. In terms of distance, Route 2 is the longest at 51 miles, while both Route 1 and Route 3 cover approximately 43 miles.

Considering both the cost and the distance, Route 1 and Route 3 are the most favorable options. However, since the overall cost is the same, Route 1 might be preferable due to its straightforward path along the Southern State Parkway and I-95. Additionally, this route tends to have fewer traffic disruptions compared to Route 3, which requires navigating the Wantagh State Parkway and Grand Central Parkway.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are planning a trip between Bellmore, New York, and Hackensack, New Jersey, it is crucial to factor in the cost, distance, and overall efficiency of the route. After analyzing multiple routes, it is recommended to take Route 1, traveling via the Southern State Parkway and I-95. This route covers a distance of approximately 43 miles and has a total cost of $16.09, considering toll expenses and fuel costs at current rates.

By choosing Route 1, you can avoid any potential traffic congestion and enjoy a seamless journey. Keep in mind that the duration of the trip will depend on various factors such as traffic conditions, travel speed, and any potential delays. However, with a well-planned trip, you can expect to reach your destination in Hackensack, New Jersey, in a reasonable time frame.