The Cost of a Trip between Bernardsville, NJ and North Brunswick, NJ: Navigating the Pricey Pathways
Introduction
Planning a trip between Bernardsville and North Brunswick in the great state of New Jersey? While the journey may not be a long one in terms of distance, the cost can quickly add up, especially with ever-fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each option, and ultimately recommend the best route to help you save money on your journey.
Route 1: Via I-78 E and I-287 S - The Main Thoroughfares
One of the most popular and straightforward routes between Bernardsville and North Brunswick is via I-78 E and I-287 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 33 miles and takes around 50 minutes in light traffic.
Cost Breakdown
To calculate the cost of this trip, we need to consider the gas mileage of your vehicle and the current average gas price in New Jersey. Let's assume your vehicle has an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon (MPG), and the current gas price is $2.50 per gallon.
The total distance of 33 miles divided by the average gas mileage of 25 MPG gives us 1.32 gallons of gas required for the trip. Multiply this by the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, and the cost of this route would be approximately $3.30 each way.
Route 2: Via NJ-18 - Exploring the Backroads
If you're looking to take a more scenic route and avoid the highway, NJ-18 is a viable option. This route covers a slightly longer distance of approximately 36 miles, but it may provide a more relaxed and picturesque drive.
Cost Breakdown
Using the same assumptions of a vehicle with an average mileage of 25 MPG and a current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost of this route would be slightly higher. The total distance of 36 miles divided by the average gas mileage of 25 MPG gives us 1.44 gallons of gas required for the trip. Multiply this by the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, and the cost of this route would be approximately $3.60 each way.
Route 3: Via I-78 E and US-1 S - The Speedy Shortcut
If your top priority is reaching North Brunswick as quickly as possible, combining I-78 E with US-1 S is your best bet. This route covers a distance of approximately 29 miles and takes around 45 minutes in light traffic.
Cost Breakdown
Since the distance for this route is shorter than the others, the cost would naturally be slightly lower. With the same assumptions of a vehicle with an average mileage of 25 MPG and a current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total cost for this route would be approximately $2.90 each way.
Route 4: Via I-287 S - The Toll-Free Option
Some travelers prefer to avoid toll roads altogether to save on additional expenses. If you fall into this category, sticking to I-287 S without using I-78 E can be a toll-free alternative.
Cost Breakdown
Since this route only utilizes part of the previous I-78 E and I-287 S combination, the total distance will be slightly shorter, resulting in a slightly lower cost. Assuming the same vehicle with an average mileage of 25 MPG and a current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the cost for this route would be approximately $2.90 each way.
Route Recommendation
After examining the different routes and their costs, we can conclude that the most cost-effective option to travel between Bernardsville and North Brunswick is Route 3, via I-78 E and US-1 S. This route not only offers a relatively short distance, but it also reduces the amount of gas required for the trip, ultimately saving you approximately $0.40 each way compared to the other options.
Moreover, Route 3 is ideal for those who value efficiency and want to reach their destination promptly. The combination of I-78 E and US-1 S ensures a smooth and speedy journey, allowing you to save time as well as money.
Conclusion
Embarking on a trip between Bernardsville and North Brunswick requires careful consideration of the cost involved, particularly with fluctuating gas prices. By evaluating various routes and calculating their respective costs, we found that Route 3, via I-78 E and US-1 S, presents the most cost-effective choice. Not only does this route save you money, but it also provides an efficient and swift journey, taking around 45 minutes to complete, barring any unforeseen delays. So buckle up, enjoy the drive, and take solace in the knowledge that you've chosen the most economical path for your journey.