The Cost of Driving from Bowie, Maryland to Fairfax, Virginia Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Bowie, Maryland to Fairfax, Virginia? Before hitting the road, it’s important to budget for the cost of the trip. Gas prices can fluctuate, and tolls can add up, so it’s important to know your options for the most cost-effective route. In this blog post, we’ll break down three popular routes between Bowie and Fairfax and compare their distance, time, and cost.

Route 1: Taking the Beltway

If you’re looking to take the most direct route between Bowie and Fairfax, taking the beltway is your best option. The distance is approximately 30 miles, and it should take about 35 minutes without traffic. However, during rush hour, this route can take considerably longer. You’ll also incur the cost of tolls: around $1.75 each way. As for gas prices, using the national average of $3.00 per gallon and taking into consideration an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg), you should expect to pay around $3.60 each way.

Distance: 30 miles | Time: 35 minutes | Tolls: $1.75 each way | Gas: $3.60 each way

Route 2: Taking the Scenic Route

If you’re not in a rush and want to take a more leisurely drive, consider taking Route 50 instead. This route takes you through some beautiful Northern Virginia countryside and adds an extra 10 miles to your trip. The total distance is approximately 40 miles, and it should take about 45 minutes without traffic. Since there are no tolls on this route, your only expense will be gas. Using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency estimates as before, you should expect to pay around $4.80 each way.

Distance: 40 miles | Time: 45 minutes | Tolls: $0 | Gas: $4.80 each way

Route 3: Taking the Metro

If you’re not in the mood to drive at all, taking the Metro is a great option. The Metro Blue Line runs from Largo Town Center in Maryland to Franconia-Springfield in Virginia, with a transfer to the Orange Line to take you into Fairfax. The total trip should take just over an hour and cost around $6.50 each way. While this option is considerably more expensive than driving, you won’t have to deal with traffic or the stress of driving.

Distance: N/A | Time: Over 1 hour | Tolls: N/A | Gas: N/A | Metro Fare: $6.50 each way

No matter which route you choose, it’s important to budget accordingly. Gas prices and tolls can add up quickly, but with some planning, you can choose the route that best fits your budget and needs. Happy travels!