The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and Dallas, Pennsylvania

If you're planning a trip between Bloomsburg, PA, and Dallas, PA, you may be wondering what the cost will be. There are a number of factors that come into play, including gas prices, distance, and alternative routes. In this article, we'll break down each of these factors to give you a better sense of what to expect.

Possible Routes

The most direct route between Bloomsburg and Dallas is via State Highway 487 South. This route takes you through the heart of central Pennsylvania, covering a distance of approximately 30 miles. Depending on your starting and ending points, you may also consider State Highway 11 or US-81 South as alternative routes.

State Highway 487 South

If you take State Highway 487 South, you'll begin by following Market Street out of Bloomsburg. After about 3 miles, you'll turn right on to 487 South and begin your journey toward Dallas. The road is relatively straight, and there are a few small towns along the way that you'll pass through.

This is the shortest route between the two towns, and typically takes around 40 minutes to drive. However, it's worth noting that the road is often narrow and winding, so it may not be the best option if you're not comfortable driving in these conditions.

State Highway 11

If you choose to take State Highway 11 instead, you'll follow Main Street out of Bloomsburg and stay on the road for the duration of your journey. This route covers a distance of approximately 35 miles, so it's slightly longer than the State Highway 487 South option.

The benefit of taking this route is that you'll pass through several larger towns, including Berwick and Wilkes-Barre. This means there are more opportunities to stop for gas, food, or other necessities. However, you should also be prepared for more traffic, particularly if you're traveling during peak hours.

US-81 South

Finally, if you take US-81 South, you'll follow State Highway 42 out of Bloomsburg for approximately 5 miles before merging onto the highway. This route is the longest of the three, covering a distance of approximately 65 miles. It's also the fastest, as the highway speed limit is higher than on the other two routes.

The downside of this route is that there are fewer opportunities for stops along the way, so you'll want to make sure you have everything you need before getting on the highway. Additionally, if you're not accustomed to driving on highways, this may not be the best option for you.

Cost Analysis

Now that we've looked at the different route options, let's break down the cost of each one. For this analysis, we'll assume that you're driving a typical passenger car that gets around 25 miles per gallon.

State Highway 487 South

Since this is the shortest route, it will generally be the cheapest in terms of gas costs. According to AAA's fuel cost calculator, driving 30 miles in a typical passenger car will cost around $2.50 in gas. However, it's worth noting that this calculation assumes gas prices of around $2.75 per gallon, which may not be accurate depending on current conditions.

State Highway 11

Because this route covers a slightly longer distance, it will be slightly more expensive in terms of gas costs. AAA estimates that driving 35 miles in a typical passenger car will cost around $3.00 in gas. Again, this calculation assumes gas prices of around $2.75 per gallon.

US-81 South

Finally, because this route covers the longest distance, it will generally be the most expensive in terms of gas costs. AAA estimates that driving 65 miles in a typical passenger car will cost around $5.87 in gas, assuming gas prices of $2.75 per gallon.

Of course, these estimates may vary depending on the specific make and model of your car, as well as the current cost of gas in your area. Additionally, if you're planning on making stops along the way, you'll need to factor in the cost of any food, lodging, or other expenses you incur.

Recommended Route

Given the factors we've outlined above, we generally recommend taking State Highway 11 as the best route between Bloomsburg and Dallas. While this route may be slightly longer than State Highway 487 South, it offers more opportunities for stops along the way. Additionally, the higher traffic volume means that there are likely to be fewer winding or narrow sections of road, making it a more comfortable option for drivers.

If you're in a hurry, or if you're comfortable driving on highways, US-81 South may be an option worth considering. However, be aware that the lack of stops along the way can be challenging, particularly if you're traveling with children or pets.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a trip between Bloomsburg, PA, and Dallas, PA, will depend largely on the route you choose and the current cost of gas. While State Highway 487 South is the shortest and cheapest route, it may not be the most comfortable option for all drivers. We recommend taking State Highway 11 instead, which offers more opportunities for stops and is generally a more pleasant driving experience. Regardless of which route you choose, be prepared for potential traffic delays or other unexpected factors that could impact your journey. Safe travels!