The Cost of a Trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Saint Peters, Missouri in the Era of High Gas Prices
With gas prices soaring high these days, it can be challenging to plan a long-distance trip without shattering your budget. If you are planning a trip between Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Saint Peters, Missouri, you might want to know how much it will cost and which route will be the most economical. So, let's dive in and explore the available options.
Possible Routes and Their Costs
Route 1: The Most Direct Route
The most straightforward route from Bethlehem, PA, to Saint Peters, MO, is taking US-70 W, which is a two-day journey with an overall distance of approximately 834 miles. The route map and estimated costs are as follows:
To calculate the cost of gas needed for this trip, we will assume an average gas mileage of 25 mpg and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon. Using these estimates, the total cost for the whole trip (one way) will be approximately $100.
Route 2: The Scenic Route
If you have an extra day and want to take a more scenic route, the first half of the journey is easy to plan. From Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the best option would be to drive on I-78W and then merge onto I-81S at Harrisburg, PA. By doing so, you will be able to see the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania. Once you cross the Virginia state border, you can head west on I-64W until you reach Saint Louis, MO. From here, you can take I-70W to reach Saint Peters, MO. The route map and estimated costs are as follows:
The total distance you will travel on this route is approximately 1055 miles. Since you will be driving for three days, you will need to approximate the budget accordingly. Using the same average gas mileage and cost, you can expect to spend about $150 on gas for a one-way trip.
Route 3: The Longest Route
This route is for travelers who want to see the most of the country while driving to Saint Peters, MO. You will depart from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and travel to Cleveland, Ohio, via I-76W. Once in Cleveland, you will head south on I-71 and then merge onto I-70W near Columbus, Ohio. After driving a long way on I-70W, you will reach Saint Peters, MO. Here is the route map and estimated costs:
The distance you will cover on this route is approximately 1264 miles, and it will take roughly four days for the whole trip. The total gas cost, based on our previous assumptions, is about $175.
Which Route Is the Best?
After considering all three possible routes for this journey, the first option seems like the best choice if you are looking for a direct route. The total distance of this route is shorter, and the total gas cost will be around $100, which is the cheapest option of these three routes. However, if you have extra time and want to see some scenic routes or explore some landmarks, then Route 2 might be a good choice. Route 3 should only be considered if you want to take an extended vacation and want to visit some of the most popular cities along the way.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Saint Peters, Missouri, can take anywhere from two to four days, depending on the route you choose. Route 1 is the most direct and the cheapest option, while Route 2 is more scenic. However, the best route ultimately depends on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences. By knowing the estimated costs and distance of each route, you can decide which option is best suited for your travel plans.