The Cost of a Road Trip from Blantyre, Scotland to Thanet District, England

If you're planning a trip from Blantyre, Scotland to Thanet District, England, one of the major considerations will be the cost of transportation. The distance between the two locations is approximately 405 miles, and there are different routes you can take. Depending on your preferences, budget, and time constraints, you may decide on the most convenient path. In this article, we're going to delve into the possible routes and their costs based on current gas prices, and ultimately recommend the best way to travel.

Route Options

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the cost of the trip, it's essential to look at the available routes linking Blantyre and Thanet District. The distance between the two locations is vast, and there are several ways to get there.

Route 1: M40 and A34

This is the most direct route, and it covers 414 miles. Begin by joining the M74 at Glasgow, then take the M6 heading south to Birmingham. From there, take the M40 south to Oxford, then the A34 to Newbury and Winchester. Next, join the M3 to Southampton, take the A31 to Ringwood and Ferndown, and finally take the A338 via Bournemouth and Christchurch. After that, join the dual-carriageway A35 to Dorchester, then the A31 to Wimborne, Bere Regis, and Poole. Finally, join the A350 to Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury, and then the A303 and M3 to London. The cost for petrol for this route is approximately £66.10, plus toll fees for the Severn Bridge. Additionally, you'll have to pay up to £12 for the Congestion Charge if traveling during the day on weekdays.

Route 2: M6 and M1

This is another direct route, covering 420 miles. Follow the M74 from Glasgow and the M6 through Carlisle, Preston, and Birmingham. From there, take the M1 to London. The cost of petrol for this route is approximately £69.84, with an additional £15 for tolls. London also charges a Congestion Charge between 7 am and 10 pm, which is up to £15.

Route 3: A1(M)

The A1(M) route is the longest, covering 437 miles. Join the M80 from Glasgow to the M9 then head south on the M90 to the Forth Road Bridge. Take the A90 south and switch to the A1(M) at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and leave it towards London. The average cost of petrol for this route is £74.18, plus up to £35 in toll fees in the UK, depending on the points of entry.

The Best Route

After looking at all the routes, it's clear that the M40 and A34 is the best route. It's the shortest, taking only about 6 hours and 53 minutes with traffic, petrol cost is £66.10, and toll fees are low compared to other routes. This route is also less complicated to navigate and has fewer stopovers, reducing fatigue, and making it more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a trip from Blantyre, Scotland to Thanet District, England, the best and most cost-effective route is the M40 and A34. It's the shortest route, with the low petrol cost and fewer toll fees. Additionally, it gives you a chance to see some of the most breathtaking views of England as you travel through picturesque towns and cities. Enjoy your trip, buckle up, and stay safe!