The Cost of a Trip Between Blue Ash, Ohio and Cincinnati, Ohio: Exploring Different Possible Routes in Light of Gas Prices
Blue Ash and Cincinnati are two neighboring suburbs in southwestern Ohio, just a couple of miles apart from each other. Despite their proximity, considering the route and mode of transportation can help you get the best deal in terms of cost at different times of the year. Moreover, with fluctuating gas prices, choosing the most fuel-efficient route can make a significant difference in your wallet. This article will explore a few possible routes between Blue Ash and Cincinnati, and help you decide which one is the most cost-effective option at the moment.
Route 1: Blue Ash to Cincinnati via I-71 S
The first route we will try is the most straightforward and involves taking I-71 S all the way from Blue Ash into Cincinnati. This is by far the easiest and most convenient option, as the ramp to the interstate is on Pfeiffer Road, which is easy to get to from most of Blue Ash. Since it is a direct route, this route is also the shortest, with a total distance of just under 13 miles. Due to its ease of access, it is also one of the most frequently used routes between these two cities.
However, with length come costs, and the cost of this route is in gas. With the average gas prices hovering around $3.09 per gallon, the trip using this route would end up costing you around $2.76 for gasoline alone, so for a round trip, it is about $5.52. This estimate assumes that your car gets 25 mpg, which is the average fuel economy of cars on U.S. roads in 2021. Hence, depending on your vehicle and other factors, your mileage may vary.
Route 2: Blue Ash to Cincinnati via OH-126 W
The second alternative is to take OH-126 W, which connects Blue Ash to Cincinnati by crossing over I-75. This route is further north of the first one and is less direct, but it can come in handy if you want to avoid the traffic on I-71 S or are already up in the northern reaches of Blue Ash.
While not the cheapest option, it can be a better alternative to the first route if gas prices are high, as it is about 15.3 miles, which may seem longer, but it also has a more fuel-efficient path. Using the aforementioned mileage, the gas cost for this alternative route would be about $3.44 for the same round trip, which is almost a dollar less and could save you a few bucks for every outing.
Route 3: Blue Ash to Cincinnati via Montgomery Road and I-71 S
Our third potential route leaves from Blue Ash and takes you through northeast Cincinnati along the historic Montgomery Road and then joins the I-71. This path covers about 14.8 miles, making it very similar in length to the first route.
If you want a more scenic route, but still want to take the interstate to reach Cincinnati, you might find this route to your liking. And, if you shop around for gas stations, as you travel on this route, you can find cheaper gas options and save some bucks.
As for costs, using the mileage and gas prices, the cost of this trip route to Cincinnati and back would be $3.32, which is around 20 cents less than the first option. Although it is a subtle difference, if you are someone who frequently travels from Blue Ash to Cincinnati, this can make a noticeable difference.
Route 4: Blue Ash to Cincinnati via Kenwood Road and Montgomery Road
Our last route alternative involves taking Kenwood Road towards Montgomery Road. This route covers similar distances to the other choices and is a good alternative to try if you are looking for traffic-free routes or alternate routes in this region.
However, since it involves some winding roads cutting around Blue Ash's southern side to the Kenwood area, the gas cost comes out to $3.50 for a round trip, which is not the cheapest option. That said, if you have time available and don't mind a scenic drive, this might still be a viable choice for you.
Comparing the Four Routes
| Route | Total Distance | Gas Cost (Round Trip) |
|---|---|---|
| I-71 S | 13 miles | $5.52 |
| OH-126 W | 15.3 miles | $3.44 |
| Montgomery and I-71 S | 14.8 miles | $3.32 |
| Kenwood Road and Montgomery Road | 14.5 miles | $3.50 |
With these four possible routes, you can see that the I-71 S route is the shortest, but also the most expensive in terms of gas. High gas prices can easily add up and make this option less appealing. Therefore, our recommendation would be to go for the OH-126 W route if you want to save on fuel and don't mind a little extra distance.
Conclusion
Traveling from Blue Ash to Cincinnati is convenient with several routes available depending on your priorities. You may want a shorter and direct path or a more scenic option that goes through certain neighborhoods. You may have a fuel-efficient car or might need to consider other factors influencing the cost of your trip.
All in all, we hope that this article gave you the information you needed to make an informed decision about the most cost-effective route to travel between Blue Ash and Cincinnati. Whether you choose I-71 S, OH-126 W, Montgomery and I-71 S, or Kenwood Road and Montgomery Road, it's up to you. Our recommendation would be to stick to the OH-126 W route, as it offers moderate distance, lower gas costs, and has a lesser impact on traffic.