The Cost of a Trip Between Bowie, Maryland, and Towson, Maryland Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a trip to Towson from Bowie but not sure about the cost? Well, you're at the right place. This article will give you an insight into the different routes you can take, their distances, and costs. With fluctuating gas prices, it's essential to be aware of the cost of the trip so that you can budget accordingly. Keep reading to get a better idea of how much you're likely to spend on the trip.
Route 1: Taking MD-295 N
This route is the shortest and most direct route from Bowie to Towson but comes with tolls. The route starts by getting onto John Hanson Highway, head northwest, then keep left to continue onto MD-295 N/Baltimore Washington Parkway. This route leads to the main destination in Towson, with a distance of 34.2 miles.
The cost for this route is as follows:
- Tolls: $4.00
- Gas: $3.08/gallon (average gas price in Maryland)
- Fuel efficiency: 23 miles per gallon (average fuel efficiency for a sedan)
Therefore, for one-way travel, the cost of gas will be approximately $4.70, while the cost of a complete round trip would be approximately $9.40.
Route 2: Taking I-97 N and I-695 E
This route is a bit longer than the first one but has no tolls. This route starts by getting onto US-50 W, then take exit 21 for I-97 N towards Baltimore. From there, you'll merge onto I-97 N, then take exit 17B to merge onto MD-3 N/Crain Hwy. Continue on MD-3 N, then use the right lane to merge onto I-695 E towards Towson. This route leads to the main destination in Towson, with a distance of approximately 38.9 miles.
The cost for this route is as follows:
- Tolls: $0.00
- Gas: $3.08/gallon (average gas price in Maryland)
- Fuel efficiency: 23 miles per gallon (average fuel efficiency for a sedan)
Therefore, for one-way travel, the cost of gas will be approximately $5.23, while the cost of a complete round trip would be approximately $10.46.
Route 3: Taking MD-3 N, MD-32 W, and I-695 W
This route is the longest, but it also has no tolls. This route starts by getting onto US-50 W, then take exit 13A-13B for MD-3 N towards Crofton. Use any lane to turn left onto MD-3 N, then turn left onto MD-32 W. Merge onto I-695 W towards Towson. This route leads to the main destination in Towson, with a distance of approximately 43.7 miles.
The cost for this route is as follows:
- Tolls: $0.00
- Gas: $3.08/gallon (average gas price in Maryland)
- Fuel efficiency: 23 miles per gallon (average fuel efficiency for a sedan)
Therefore, for one-way travel, the cost of gas will be approximately $5.87, while the cost of a complete round trip would be approximately $11.74.
Recommended Route
After considering the three routes, taking into account the distance, tolls, and gas prices, the route through I-97 N and I-695 E is the most recommended one. Although it's not the shortest, it's less costly and has no tolls. It's also the easiest to navigate, thanks to the clear directions provided by I-97 N.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bowie and Towson depends on several factors, including the route taken, gas prices, fuel efficiency, and tolls. After considering the three routes, taking I-97 N and I-695 E is the most cost-efficient option. However, it's essential to remember that gas prices fluctuate regularly, and the cost may vary from what's mentioned in this article. Always check gas prices before embarking on the trip to get an accurate estimate. Lastly, the round trip would take approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, depending on traffic.