Driving Cost from Bloomfield, Pennsylvania to Downingtown, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Bloomfield to Downingtown: Navigating Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Bloomfield to Downingtown can take you through scenic roads across Pennsylvania. Amidst the beautiful sights and destinations, one may wonder - how much would it cost based on today's gas prices? In this article, we'll explore the different routes and costs one may encounter while driving from Bloomfield to Downingtown.

Bloomfield to Downingtown: Route Options

The distance between Bloomfield and Downingtown is approximately 189 miles. Depending on your route preferences, you can choose one of the following:

Route 1: I-76 and the PA Turnpike

The first option is to take the I-76 West, also known as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This route is the quickest and most straightforward option as it cuts through Pennsylvania from east to west.

This route involves a 183-mile drive, where you enter the Turnpike near Breezewood and exit around King of Prussia. The toll rate varies by the number of axles on your vehicle and location of the exit. For example, the toll rate at the Downingtown exit is $6.10. So, the total toll cost for this route would be roughly $20.

Route 2: PA-30

The US Route 30 offers a more relaxed and scenic alternative when traveling from Bloomfield to Downingtown. It stretches for over 3000 miles, and in Pennsylvania, it passes through several quaint towns and countryside hills.

Taking this route requires you to travel 174 miles to reach Downingtown. However, it skips the Turnpike, meaning you won't incur any toll fees. On the other hand, this route would be more challenging to navigate, with multiple stops and turns along the way.

Route 3: US-22 and I-476

This option allows you to bypass the I-76 and the eastern part of the Turnpike, reducing your toll fee. Starting from Bloomfield, you would take the US-22 Eastbound towards Allentown and connect to I-476 South. Continue driving on I-476 to I-76 exit and follow it to Downingtown.

Using this route would give you an 189-mile drive, but the reduction in toll fees may make it worth it. The estimated toll fee for this route is around $13. So, you would be saving around $7 compared to using the first route.

The Cost of Fuel for the Trip

The cost of fuel also has a significant impact on the overall expenses of the trip. The following are the average gas prices in Pennsylvania as of August 12, 2021, according to GasBuddy:

  • Regular gas: $3.25/gallon
  • Midgrade gas: $3.56/gallon
  • Premium gas: $3.83/gallon
  • Diesel: $3.51/gallon

To estimate the cost of fuel, we will use a midsize sedan that averages 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Based on this information, the total gas required for the trip would be 6.3 gallons, which would cost around $22.42.

Best Route Recommendation

After exploring all the options, we recommend using Route 1, the I-76 and the PA Turnpike. Despite the toll costs, the convenience and time saved of using the turnpike outweigh the costs. Plus, the toll rates are calculated based on axle numbers and specific locations, which means you can plan ahead to cut costs on your trip.

Also, using the Turnpike would reduce travel time and save money on gas costs. This route is the safest and most direct way to get to Downingtown from Bloomfield. If you wish to take a more scenic route, the US Route 30 would also be sufficient. It doesn't require you to pay any toll fees and it offers picturesque views of the countryside.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning your trip from Bloomfield to Downingtown, keeping in mind the cost of gas and toll fees can help you budget accordingly. While Route 1 is the most straightforward and convenient, Route 2 and Route 3 are viable alternatives to consider. Still, whichever route you decide to take, the journey across Pennsylvania is sure to offer beautiful memories of the countryside and charming towns along the way.