The Cost of a Road Trip from Bloomfield to Virginia Beach

The cost of a road trip can vary depending on multiple factors like the distance, gas mileage of the vehicle, and gas prices. For people living in Bloomfield, New Jersey, a popular destination for a road trip is Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is a coastal city with beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. In this article, we will discuss different routes that one can take to go from Bloomfield to Virginia Beach, covering the distance, cost, and other considerations.

Route 1: Via I-95 S

One of the most direct routes from Bloomfield to Virginia Beach is via I-95 S. This route takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 355 miles distance between the two cities. The route goes through some major cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C, which can sometimes add to the travel time due to traffic. However, taking this route provides the advantage of passing through some lovely areas like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which is a scenic route.

The estimated cost of this trip is determined by the vehicle’s gas mileage and current gas prices. Suppose we consider a mid-size car with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon. In that case, the total fuel cost would be approximately $60, assuming the gas price around $2.50 per gallon.

Route 2: Via I-78 W and I-81 S

Another route that one can take is via I-78 W and I-81 S. This option involves more driving as it covers a distance of 475 miles and takes approximately 8 hours and requires leaving earlier in the day. This route takes the driver through some scenic routes like the Appalachian Mountains.

The estimated fuel cost for this route would be higher than the previous one, assuming the same gas price and vehicle gas mileage. The cost of fuel would be approximately $85, given a mid-size car with 25 miles per gallon of fuel efficiency.

Route 3: Via US-1 S

A third route is possible for those who have more time to travel and enjoy exploring new routes. One can take the US-1 S route to Virginia Beach. This option is a bit longer than the previous routes, covering a distance of approximately 385 miles, and takes around 7 hours. This route also offers a chance to experience some small towns along the way.

The estimated fuel cost for this route would be similar to the I-95 S route, which is around $60 for a mid-size car with 25 miles per gallon.

Recommended Route

Considering the factors like distance, travel time, fuel cost, and overall experience, the I-95 S route is the most recommended option. It covers a moderate distance without taking too much time and experiencing some beautiful locations along the way. Though there can be traffic issues sometimes, especially around major cities, this route is still better than other alternatives.

Additional Costs

The cost of the trip includes more than just fuel expenses, the following are some additional expenses to keep in mind:

1. Accommodation: If one plans to stay overnight in Virginia Beach, they should account for accommodation expenses. The average cost of the hotel is around $120-150 per night.

2. Food: As one would have to travel for hours, food cost must also account for. It is recommended to pack some homemade food to minimize the cost.

3. Toll Bridges and Roads: Some routes may have toll bridges and roads that require additional expenses, so make sure to include them in the budget.

Conclusion

Bloomfield to Virginia Beach might be a perfect road trip option for people interested in beaches and scenic drives. The trip’s total cost would depend on the route taken, fuel efficiency, current gas prices, and additional expenses like accommodation, food, and toll roads. If we consider the I-95 S route, one can expect to spend approximately $60 on fuel for a mid-size car. It is also essential to consider other expenses like accommodation, food, and tolls to get an accurate estimate of the cost of the entire trip. Overall, we recommend taking this route as it offers a balance of distance, travel time, and beautiful locations.