The Cost of a Trip Between Bethesda, Maryland and Potomac, Maryland: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to calculating the cost. Gas prices constantly fluctuate, and it can be difficult to determine the best route in terms of distance and affordability. If you're planning to travel between Bethesda and Potomac in Maryland, this guide is for you. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route to take based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Via MD-190 and Seven Locks Road

This is perhaps the most direct route between Bethesda and Potomac. To take this route, start on Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda, and then turn right onto MD-190 West. Continue on this road for approximately 2.9 miles until you reach Seven Locks Road. Turn right onto Seven Locks Road and continue for another 3.2 miles until you reach Potomac Village Shopping Center.

The total distance for this route is around 6.1 miles, and the estimated driving time is approximately 13 minutes. At the time of writing, the average price of regular unleaded gas in Maryland is $3.06 per gallon. According to GasBuddy, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway would require approximately 0.25 gallons of gas for this route. Therefore, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $0.77.

Route 2: Via River Road

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking River Road. To take this route, start on Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda and head northwest for approximately 2.6 miles until you reach River Road. Turn right onto River Road and continue for around 5.1 miles until you reach the intersection of River Road and Falls Road in Potomac.

The total distance for this route is around 7.7 miles, and the estimated driving time is approximately 15 minutes. According to GasBuddy, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway would require approximately 0.31 gallons of gas for this route. Therefore, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $0.95.

Route 3: Via I-495 and River Road

This is another direct route, but it involves traveling on the highway. To take this route, start on Democracy Boulevard in Bethesda, and then turn left onto Old Georgetown Road. Continue for approximately 3.7 miles until you reach the I-495 South ramp. Merge onto I-495 South and continue for around 2.5 miles until you reach the River Road exit (Exit 39). Turn right onto River Road and continue for approximately 1.6 miles until you reach Potomac Village Shopping Center.

The total distance for this route is around 8.1 miles, and the estimated driving time is approximately 16 minutes. According to GasBuddy, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway would require approximately 0.32 gallons of gas for this route. Therefore, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $0.98.

Route 4: Via Falls Road and River Road

This route is a bit longer, but it offers some beautiful views of the Potomac River. To take this route, start on Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda and head northwest for approximately 2.6 miles until you reach River Road. Turn left onto River Road and continue for around 2.7 miles until you reach Falls Road. Turn left onto Falls Road and continue for around 2.6 miles until you reach River Road again. Turn left onto River Road and continue for approximately 0.7 miles until you reach the intersection of River Road and Falls Road in Potomac.

The total distance for this route is around 8.7 miles, and the estimated driving time is approximately 19 minutes. According to GasBuddy, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway would require approximately 0.35 gallons of gas for this route. Therefore, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $1.07.

Recommendation

Based on the current gas prices and the distance of each route, we recommend Route 1 via MD-190 and Seven Locks Road. This route is the shortest and the most affordable, with a cost of only $0.77 for gas. It's also the quickest, with an estimated driving time of only 13 minutes. However, if you're looking for a more scenic drive, Route 2 via River Road is a great option as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bethesda and Potomac in Maryland depends largely on the route you take and the current gas prices. While there are several possible routes, each with its own pros and cons, we recommend Route 1 via MD-190 and Seven Locks Road as the most affordable and quickest option. However, if you're looking to take a scenic drive, Route 2 via River Road is worth considering as well. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we hope this guide has been helpful in determining the best route for your journey.