Road Trip from Beltsville, Maryland to City of Ithaca, NY: Costs Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Beltsville, Maryland to the City of Ithaca, New York? Whether you're visiting friends, attending a university or just exploring the beautiful sights in upstate New York, you're probably wondering how much it will cost to travel there by car. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes and the estimated cost of each.

The Northern Route

The most direct route is to take I-95 and I-81 North towards Ithaca. This route covers a distance of approximately 312 miles and will take about 5 hours. Gas prices in Maryland as of 2021 have been averaging around $2.89 per gallon, while prices in New York have been averaging around $2.97 per gallon. Based on this information, the estimated total cost of the journey one way is approximately $46.43 in fuel costs (assuming your car gets 25 miles per gallon). You will encounter tolls along the way which increases the total cost of the trip. The Pennsylvania Turnpike toll from Breezewood to the Harrisburg East exchange can range from $9.54 to $26.25 depending on the type of vehicle you have.

The Coastal Route

If you prefer a more scenic drive, the coastal route is an option to consider. This route involves taking Route 50 East into Annapolis, MD before following Route 301 North through Delaware. After crossing into New Jersey, take Route 95 North to Trenton and then follow Route 206 North, taking Route 202 North towards the City of Ithaca. This route covers a distance of approximately 360 miles and will take around 6 hours. Again, based on gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, the estimated cost for a one-way trip would be $57.15 in fuel costs (assuming 25 miles per gallon) and additional toll costs when crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge ($5.00) and the Goethals Bridge ($16.00) to enter New York City.

The Southwestern Route

Another option is to take Route 29 North through Virginia into Maryland. Then, take Route 340 to Route 70 East to Route 15 North, which will lead you to the City of Ithaca. This route covers a distance of approximately 353 miles and will take around 6 hours, without traffic. Based on gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, the estimated cost for a one-way trip would be around $52.26 in fuel costs and no major tolls along the way.

Final thoughts

When taking a road trip, it's important to take into account gas prices, toll costs, and distance. Each of these factors can affect the overall cost of your trip. When traveling from Beltsville to Ithaca, you have several options depending on your travel preferences, budget, and time. We hope this article gives you a better understanding of the options available to you and helps you plan your next road trip with ease. Happy travels!