The Cost of a Trip from Bloomsbury to Matawan: A Comparison of Routes and Expenses

Traveling from Bloomsbury to Matawan, both towns located in New Jersey, can take some time and require proper planning, not only in terms of scheduling, but also concerning expenses. Transportation options vary, from driving a car to taking a taxi or a train. Gas prices may fluctuate, and routes may involve different distances and tolls. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the costs involved in traveling between these two towns, as well as the pros and cons of different routes. In this article, we will analyze several options and estimate their expenses based on current gas prices.

Driving with Tolls on Interstate 78 and Garden State Parkway

One of the fastest ways of traveling from Bloomsbury to Matawan is by driving. The trip involves approximately 57 miles, depending on the exact starting and ending points. One of the most common routes involves taking Interstate 78 East, which then leads to the Garden State Parkway South. The trip might take around 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic, and includes two toll plazas.

The first toll plaza is located between exits 17 and 18 of I-78 and currently costs $1.50 for passenger cars. The second toll area, which is part of the Garden State Parkway, includes two exact-change lanes, with a cost of $1.50 each, and four other cashless lanes that charge $1.90 each for drivers who lack E-ZPass. Therefore, assuming the use of the cashless lanes, the total toll expenses for this route would be $7.70, plus gas costs.

In terms of gasoline, the average price in New Jersey, as of July 2021, is around $3.10 per gallon. For a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, this trip would consume approximately 2.28 gallons, which results in a gasoline cost of $7.08. Adding this to the toll expenses, the total amount spent on this driving route would be approximately $14.78.

Driving with No Tolls on Route 31 and Route 18

Another option for driving between Bloomsbury and Matawan is to avoid tolls altogether, taking state roads instead of highways. This route would involve driving south on Route 31, then switching to Route 202 and Route 29 before reaching Route 18, which leads directly to Matawan. This trip might take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact starting and ending points, and covers approximately 50 miles.

While this route does not require toll expenses, it might result in higher gasoline usage, as state roads often lack the efficiency of highways. Assuming a similar fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the trip would require approximately 2 gallons of gasoline. Thus, the cost of gasoline, based on the average New Jersey price of $3.10 per gallon, would be $6.20. The total expense of driving this route would only consist of this fuel cost. Therefore, the overall expense of this route would be $6.20.

Taxi Services

Another transportation option individuals can use to travel between Bloomsville and Matawan is taxis. Bloomsbury has several taxi services with prices ranging between $90 to $120 one way. On the other hand, an Uber from Bloomsbury to Matawan would cost around $75.

Train and Bus Services

While there is no direct train connection between Bloomsbury and Matawan, there are some train and bus services that people can use to travel between the two towns. For example, individuals could take Amtrak from Lehigh Valley International Airport or Metropark station in New Jersey to Newark Penn Station at a cost of $28 and $9.25 respectively. In Newark Penn Station, people would then need to transfer to the NJ Transit Rail to continue the trip to Matawan. A one-way ticket from Newark Penn Station to Matawan typically costs around $10.75.

Another transportation option that could be considered is to use a bus service. Raritan Valley Transit or Trans-Bridge Lines would both be great choices for this route. These companies offer several trips with different departure and arrival times, and the ticket prices range between $15 and $25. Keep in mind that this route might require additional expenses such as taxi services to reach the bus stops.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cheap option to travel from Bloomsbury to Matawan, then driving Route 31 and Route 18 might be the most economical way. While it does take a bit longer to cover the 50 miles, it does not cost much, as it requires only $6.20 for gasoline. However, if you don't mind paying for tolls to avoid traffic and save time, taking Interstate 78 East and Garden State Parkway might be the best option. This route requires $7.70 for tolls, plus $7.08 for gasoline.

In terms of other transportation options, taxis and Uber might fit the needs of people who would like a comfortable and safe ride, but this will depend on the budget. Train and bus services are also available, and they provide an eco-friendly and comfortable way to travel, especially for people who do not own a car. The cost of taking a train and bus might cost a bit more than taking a car, but it could be the most convenient option for some people.

In conclusion, the best option for traveling from Bloomsbury to Matawan depends on individual preferences, time, and budget. Regardless of the mode of transportation taken, this trip provides a great opportunity to explore the beauty of New Jersey while enjoying the benefits of modern transportation.