Driving Cost from Bowie, Maryland to Norfolk, Virginia

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The Cost of a Trip between Bowie, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia

If you're planning a road trip between Bowie, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia, the cost of the trip can vary greatly depending on the route you take and the type of vehicle you're driving. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Route 1: I-95 S and VA-13 E

The most direct route between Bowie and Norfolk is to take I-95 South and then connect to VA-13 East. The total distance of this route is approximately 216 miles and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

If you're driving a standard car that gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG), you can expect to use about 9 gallons of gas on this route. As of October 2021, the average price of gas in Maryland is $3.29 per gallon, while in Virginia it's $3.07 per gallon. This means that the total cost of gas for this route would be around $29.61.

Additionally, you may encounter tolls along this route. For example, the Fort McHenry Tunnel costs $4 for two-axle vehicles, while the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Harbor Tunnel both cost $2.10. Depending on which tolls you encounter and whether or not you have an EZPass transponder, you can expect to pay an additional $8-$12 in tolls.

Route 2: US-50 E and US-13 S

Another option is to take US-50 East and then connect to US-13 South. This route is slightly longer than the first option, with a total distance of approximately 242 miles. However, it may be a more scenic route as it takes you through several small towns and past the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.

If you're driving a standard car that gets 25 MPG, you can expect to use about 9.68 gallons of gas on this route. As previously mentioned, the average price of gas in Maryland is $3.29 per gallon, while in Virginia it's $3.07 per gallon. This means that the total cost of gas for this route would be around $31.22.

Additionally, you may encounter tolls on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which costs $14 for a two-axle vehicle. This means that the total cost of tolls for this route would be around $14.

Route 3: US-301 S and VA-13 E

A third option is to take US-301 South and then connect to VA-13 East. This route is the longest of the three, with a total distance of approximately 264 miles. However, it may be a good option if you want to avoid tolls.

If you're driving a standard car that gets 25 MPG, you can expect to use about 10.56 gallons of gas on this route. As previously mentioned, the average price of gas in Maryland is $3.29 per gallon, while in Virginia it's $3.07 per gallon. This means that the total cost of gas for this route would be around $34.26.

While this route doesn't have any tolls, it may take longer due to the additional miles and potential traffic in some areas.

Overall, we recommend taking Route 1, which involves taking I-95 South and then connecting to VA-13 East. This route is the most direct and has the least amount of tolls, making it the most cost-effective option for most travelers.

However, it's important to consider your own personal preferences and other factors, such as traffic and road conditions, when choosing a route for your trip.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a trip between Bowie, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia can vary greatly depending on the route you take and the type of vehicle you're driving. The most cost-effective and direct route is to take I-95 South and connect to VA-13 East, but there are other options to consider as well. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to factor in gas and toll costs when planning your budget for the trip.