The Cost of a Trip from Bowie, Maryland to Arundel on the Bay: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a trip can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to budgeting for the journey. From gas prices to tolls, there are many factors to consider when calculating the cost of a trip. If you're planning a trip from Bowie, Maryland to Arundel on the Bay, this guide will help you break down the costs of different routes to ensure you stay within your budget.
Route 1: US-50 E and MD-70
The first route we'll explore is the US-50 E and MD-70 route. This route is approximately 23 miles long and takes around 35 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. The route starts on John Hanson Highway in Bowie and follows US-50 E to the MD-70 exit in Annapolis.
Gas Prices
According to GasBuddy, as of September 2021, the average gas price in Bowie is around $3.10 per gallon. Based on the distance of this route and the average fuel economy of most cars, the total cost of gas for this trip will be around $3.50.
Tolls
This route does not require any tolls, which can help to keep the overall cost of the trip down.
Total Cost
Based on the estimated cost of gas, the total cost of this trip would be approximately $3.50.
Route 2: US-50 E and Exit 29
The second route we'll explore is the US-50 E and Exit 29 route. This route is approximately 24 miles long and takes around 35 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. The route starts on John Hanson Highway in Bowie and follows US-50 E to Exit 29 in Annapolis.
Gas Prices
Based on the same gas prices as Route 1, the total cost of gas for this trip would also be around $3.50.
Tolls
This route requires the use of the Bay Bridge, which requires a toll. As of September 2021, the toll is $4 for two-axle vehicles. This means that the total cost of this trip, including the toll, will be approximately $7.50.
Total Cost
Based on the estimated cost of gas and tolls, the total cost of this trip would be approximately $7.50.
Route 3: John Hanson Highway and MD-2
The third route we'll explore is the John Hanson Highway and MD-2 route. This route is approximately 28 miles long and takes around 45 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. The route starts on John Hanson Highway in Bowie and follows MD-2 to Arundel on the Bay.
Gas Prices
Based on the same gas prices as Routes 1 and 2, the total cost of gas for this trip would be around $4.
Tolls
This route does not require any tolls, which can help to keep the overall cost of the trip down.
Total Cost
Based on the estimated cost of gas, the total cost of this trip would be approximately $4.
Recommendation
Based on the cost and distance of each route, Route 1, the US-50 E and MD-70 route, is the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for your trip. While Route 2 offers a slightly shorter drive time, the toll on the Bay Bridge more than doubles the overall cost of the trip. Route 3 is the longest route and offers no immediate benefits in terms of time or cost savings.
Conclusion
By taking Route 1, the US-50 E and MD-70 route, you can expect to spend around 35 minutes on the road and approximately $3.50 on gas for the trip. While this estimate does not account for other expenses such as food or lodging, it does provide a helpful guide for budgeting your transportation costs. Overall, when planning your trip from Bowie, Maryland to Arundel on the Bay, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits of each route to find the best option for your needs and budget.