Middletown to Bethlehem: A Cost Analysis

When it comes to planning a trip from Middletown to Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, there are many things to consider - the route, distance, time, gas prices, and of course, the overall cost of the trip. Here is a breakdown of the different routes, their distances, and how much they will cost you.

The Routes

There are two main ways to get from Middletown to Bethlehem - the I-78 E route and the US-22 E route.

I-78 E Route

The I-78 E route is the shortest and quickest way, but it has tolls along the way. The total distance is around 60 miles, and the journey takes about an hour. From Middletown, you get on the Pennsylvania Turnpike to exit 19, then take the ramp to merge onto I-78 E. After that, you take the exit onto PA-412 N toward Hellertown/Bethlehem, and you'll be in Bethlehem in no time.

US-22 E Route

The US-22 E route is a longer but toll-free option. The total distance is around 67 miles, and the journey takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. From Middletown, you take the I-83 S ramp to merge onto I-83 S. Then, take exit 46A to merge onto US-15 S toward Gettysburg/Harrisburg. Finally, merge onto US-22 E toward City of Bethlehem, and you've arrived.

The Cost

As mentioned earlier, tolls are a factor when taking the I-78 E route. There are two toll plazas - the Harrisburg East toll plaza and the Lehigh Tunnel toll plaza. The cost at the Harrisburg East toll plaza for cars is $2.50, while at the Lehigh Tunnel, it is $1.90. So the total cost comes to $4.40.

On the other hand, the US-22 E route has no tolls, which can save you a significant amount of money. However, keep in mind that gas prices might vary along the way, and you may have to fill your tank accordingly.

Gas Prices

Speaking of gas prices, it's essential to factor them in when calculating the trip cost. As of October 2021, the average gas price in Pennsylvania is around $3.35 per gallon. Suppose you're taking the I-78 E route, which is approximately 60 miles, and your car's average mpg is around 25. In that case, you'll use approximately 2.4 gallons of gas for the entire journey, which will cost you approximately $8.04.

Similarly, if you're taking the US-22 E route, which is approximately 67 miles, and your car's average mpg is around 25, you'll use about 2.7 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This will cost you approximately $9.05, considering the average gas price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the I-78 E route is the most direct and quickest way to get from Middletown to Bethlehem, but it comes with tolls. The US-22 E route is toll-free but longer, and gas prices will vary depending on where you fill up. Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your preference and budget. However, taking into account the cost of gas and tolls, the US-22 E route is slightly more expensive than the I-78 E route. Nevertheless, we recommend the US-22 E route if you want to save a few bucks while enjoying a scenic drive. The journey takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, but the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape makes it worth it.