Driving Cost from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Portsmouth, Virginia

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The Cost of a Trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Portsmouth, Virginia based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Traveling between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Portsmouth, Virginia can be an adventure filled with beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Whether you are planning a vacation or embarking on a business trip, it is essential to consider the cost of the journey. With fluctuating gas prices, the expenses can vary greatly depending on the route you choose. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each option, and recommend the best route for your trip.

Route Options

Route 1: Interstate 95 South

One of the most common and straightforward routes between Bethlehem and Portsmouth is taking Interstate 95 South. This route covers a distance of approximately 375 miles and takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes. The cost of gas will depend on the current gas prices along the way.

Route 2: Interstate 81 South

If you prefer a more scenic drive, consider taking Interstate 81 South. This route covers a longer distance of about 415 miles but can offer a more relaxed and picturesque journey. The estimated travel time is 7 hours and 20 minutes. Keep in mind that the cost of gas will vary along this route as well.

Route 3: Combination of Routes

For those seeking a balance between time and scenery, a combination of routes can be a great option. Start by taking Interstate 476 South from Bethlehem to Interstate 76 East, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Continue on Interstate 76 East until you reach Interstate 81 South. From there, take Interstate 77 South until you reach Interstate 64 East towards Portsmouth. This combination of routes covers a total distance of approximately 400 miles and takes around 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Estimating Gas Costs

To estimate the gas cost for each route, we will calculate based on the current national average gas price, which is $2.84 per gallon. However, keep in mind that gas prices can vary between regions and change frequently. It is always recommended to check for up-to-date gas prices before your trip.

Route 1: Interstate 95 South

To calculate the average gas cost for taking Interstate 95 South, we'll assume a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) for the vehicle. Considering the distance of 375 miles, we can estimate that you would need approximately 15 gallons of gas. Multiplying this by the national average gas price, the total cost for gas for this route would be approximately $42.60.

Route 2: Interstate 81 South

For the longer but scenic route along Interstate 81 South, we'll again assume a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. With a distance of 415 miles, you would need around 16.6 gallons of gas. At the national average gas price, the estimated cost for this route would be approximately $47.30.

Route 3: Combination of Routes

Calculating the gas cost for the combination of routes requires segmenting the journey based on the different distances of each highway. Assuming the same fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and an average distance of 400 miles, this route would require approximately 16 gallons of gas. Hence, the estimated cost would be approximately $45.40.

Considering the various factors such as distance, travel time, and gas cost, our recommended route would be the combination of routes taking Interstate 476 South, Interstate 76 East, Interstate 81 South, Interstate 77 South, and finally Interstate 64 East towards Portsmouth, Virginia. While this option may be slightly longer in terms of distance, it showcases a mix of scenic landscapes and saves some travel time compared to Interstate 81 South alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Portsmouth, Virginia heavily relies on the chosen route and current gas prices. By considering various route options, we can estimate the gas cost for each scenario. Taking Interstate 95 South would cost approximately $42.60, while the scenic drive through Interstate 81 South would incur a gas cost of around $47.30. The combination of routes, which includes a mix of highways, would have an estimated gas cost of approximately $45.40. Considering the factors of distance, travel time, and overall experience, our recommended route would be the combination of routes. This option provides a balance between scenery and time efficiency. So buckle up and enjoy your journey from Bethlehem to Portsmouth! Safe travels!