The Cost of a Road Trip Between Bendersville, Pennsylvania and Wantage, New Jersey: A Fuel Tracking Guide
When planning a road trip, one of the biggest expenses to consider is the cost of fuel. Many factors come into play when determining the overall expense of a road trip, including the distance, the type of vehicle, and the current gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a trip between Bendersville, Pennsylvania, and Wantage, New Jersey, using the current gas prices as a reference.
The Possible Routes
There are two popular routes to travel between Bendersville and Wantage:
The I-78 W Route
The first route is to take Interstate 78 West. This is a common highway for drivers traveling between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This route covers a total of 217 miles, and it typically takes around four hours to complete. Here's a breakdown of the mileage and approximate cost of fuel:
- Bendersville, Pennsylvania, to Allentown, Pennsylvania (56 miles): $12.13
- Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Clinton, New Jersey (61 miles): $13.13
- Clinton, New Jersey, to Wantage, New Jersey (100 miles): $21.52
The total cost of fuel for this route is estimated to be around $46.78.
The PA-97 S Route
The second route is to take PA-97 S. This route involves traveling on multiple state highways and smaller roads, which could be a more scenic route. This route covers a total of 226 miles and typically takes around four and a half hours to complete. Here's a breakdown of the mileage and approximate cost of fuel:
- Bendersville, Pennsylvania, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (11 miles): $2.38
- Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Hanover, Pennsylvania (15 miles): $3.23
- Hanover, Pennsylvania, to York, Pennsylvania (18 miles): $3.88
- York, Pennsylvania, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania (21 miles): $4.52
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Reading, Pennsylvania (46 miles): $9.91
- Reading, Pennsylvania, to Flemington, New Jersey (41 miles): $8.83
- Flemington, New Jersey, to Wantage, New Jersey (72 miles): $15.56
The total cost of fuel for this route is estimated to be around $48.30.
Choosing the Best Route
When considering the cost of a trip, it's essential to weigh the cost of fuel against the time it takes to drive the route. While the PA-97 S route may be slightly cheaper, it takes longer to complete due to the numerous highways and smaller roads. The I-78 W route may be the better option for those looking to save time and limit their driving distance.
Other Expenses to Consider
Aside from fuel costs, there are other expenses to consider when planning a road trip. Here are a few additional expenses to keep in mind:
- Toll Roads: Both routes have toll roads, so make sure to factor in the cost of tolls when budgeting for your trip.
- Food: If you plan to stop for meals, make sure to include this expense in your budget. Consider packing snacks and drinks to save on food costs.
- Accommodations: If you plan to make the trip an overnight stay, make sure to budget for hotel or Airbnb expenses.
- Activities: If you plan on stopping for activities like museums or attractions, make sure to factor these expenses into your budget as well.
Conclusion
The cost of a road trip between Bendersville, Pennsylvania, and Wantage, New Jersey, can fluctuate depending on the route, gas prices, and other factors. After comparing the two possible routes, the I-78 W route is the more direct and cost-efficient option. It's important to keep in mind that other expenses like tolls, food, and accommodations can add up quickly, so make sure to factor those into your budget when planning your road trip. Overall, the trip should take approximately four hours, covering a total distance of 217 miles. Happy travels!