Road Trip from Bethlehem to Bensalem: How Much Should You Budget for Gas and Tolls?
Are you excited about heading from Bethlehem to Bensalem to visit friends, family, or simply explore all that this charming Pennsylvania town has to offer? As you begin planning your trip, it's essential to determine the cost of driving from one place to the other. Below, we've highlighted several possible routes and the associated gas and toll prices, so you can budget accordingly.
Route 1: I-476 S and I-276 W
The first route involves taking I-476 S and I-276 W, which will take you straight to Bensalem. This route is about 52.6 miles and should take approximately 54 minutes, depending on traffic. In terms of tolls, you'll need to factor in the Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls, which currently cost:
- Entry at Lehigh Valley: $7.50
- Exit at Bensalem: $6.60
To calculate the total cost of driving this route, you'll also need to factor in gas prices, which can vary by location. As of April 2021, the average gas price in Pennsylvania is around $2.83. For a midsize car that gets around 28 miles per gallon, the expected cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $5.66.
In total, driving this route would cost approximately $19.76 in gas and tolls.
Route 2: US-22 W and I-276 E
Another option is to take US-22 W and I-276 E. This route is approximately 58.5 miles and should take around 1 hour and 11 minutes, depending on traffic. In terms of tolls, you'll have to account for the following:
- Entry at I-476 Interchange: $2.75
- Exit at Philadelphia Interchange: $6.60
Gas prices should also be factored in. Based on the figures mentioned above, you can expect to pay around $6.38 for gas for a midsize car on this route.
In total, the cost of driving this route should be around $15.73 in both gas and tolls.
Route 3: PA-412 S and I-95 N
The third option is to take PA-412 S and I-95 N, which covers a distance of about 63.1 miles and should take approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes, depending on traffic. This route requires no tolls but has a slightly higher gas cost due to the longer distance. Based on above-average gas prices, it should set you back around $7.15 for a midsize car.
In total, the cost of driving this route is around $7.15.
Route 4: The Cheapest Option
If your only concern is cost and you are willing to go the extra mile (pun intended), you can take Route 309 N and Route 611 S for only 57.1 miles, though the estimated driving time is an hour and a half. There are no high tolls on this road, and the gas expense should be around $6.62.
In total, the cost of driving this route is around $6.62.
Summary
As you plan your upcoming trip from Bethlehem to Bensalem Township, there are several route options to choose from with varying distances, travel times, tolls, and gas costs. Based on current gas prices, the total cost of driving a midsize car can range from around $7 to close to $20, depending on the route you take.