The Cost of a Road Trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania
Traveling from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania is a popular road trip destination in the state. The distance between these two areas is 61 miles, and there are different routes that travelers can take to reach their destination. In this article, we will go over the possible driving routes for this trip and discuss the costs associated with each one.
The Possible Routes Between Bethlehem and Lower Merion Township
When traveling to Lower Merion Township from Bethlehem, there are several routes to choose from, including:
Via PA-309 S
The first route from Bethlehem to Lower Merion Township is via PA-309 S. This route is 65.3 miles long and takes about one hour and 15 minutes. From Bethlehem, take the I-78/US-22 W and continue on the PA-309 S. travelers will reach their destination in the Lower Merion Township.
This route is undoubtedly the most common one and takes drivers through beautiful mountainous scenery. However, this route does not have any tolls, making it a suitable option for travelers who want to save money.
Via the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike
The second option for travelers is to take the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Travelers will take I-476 S and Exit 16 to reach PA-663 E. Then, they will take PA-29 S and continue onto E City Ave in Wynnewood to reach Lower Merion Township. This route is 60.4 miles long and takes approximately one hour and seven minutes.
However, the downside of this route is that it has a toll. Travelers will need to pay $9.70 in toll traffic to reach their destination. The toll prices in this route would make it inconvenient for drivers who want to save money.
Via US-202 S
Another option for drivers is to travel via US-202 S. From Bethlehem, take US-22 E/US-322 E and continue driving until you take the PA-100 exit. Drive on PA-100 S until you continue on US-202 S, which will lead you to your destination in Lower Merion Township. This route is 63.5 miles long and takes around one hour and fifteen minutes.
There are no tolls on this route, making it an ideal option for travelers who want to save money.
The Cost of Each Route
The cost of each route will vary depending on the type of vehicle, gasoline price, and any possible tolls that would need to be paid. In general, the cost of gasoline is around $2.50 per gallon.
In Route 1, which totals 65.3 miles, travelers could expect to use approximately 2.5 gallons of gasoline, bringing the cost to around $6.25. Because this route has no tolls, the total cost of travel is around $6.25.
In Route 2, which is 60.4 miles long, travelers will use almost 2.5 gallons of gasoline, bringing the cost of the trip to around $6.25. However, this route also has a $9.70 toll, which adds a significant amount to the total trip’s cost. The total cost of this route ends up being around $16.95.
In Route 3, which is 63.5 miles long, travelers will use approximately 2.5 gallons of gasoline, bringing the cost of the trip to around $6.25. Nonetheless, because this route doesn’t have any tolls, the total cost of the trip is around $6.25.
Recommended Route from Bethlehem to Lower Merion Township
Based on the costs and distance, the recommended route from Bethlehem to Lower Merion Township is Via PA-309 S. This route is the most direct, taking drivers straight to the Lower Merion Township with stunning mountainous views along the way. It’s also the cheapest route, with no tolls involved.
While the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike route may seem shorter, the tolls can add a considerable amount to the total cost of the trip. The US-202 S route is similar in costs to Route 1; however, it’s a much longer ride and adds time to the trip.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bethlehem to Lower Merion Township by car is an excellent road trip idea within Pennsylvania. When factoring in the cost of gasoline and tolls, the trip’s most economical option is to take PA-309 S, which requires no toll and takes drivers through some iconic scenery. Travelers should allow enough time for their journey, and they should also take into account the possibility of traffic or weather conditions, which may cause unexpected difficulties and increases the overall driving time. Stress-free driving is an essential part of any road trip, so drivers should always allow for extra time during their journey.