The Cost of a Trip from Boyertown, Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio
Introduction
Planning a trip from Boyertown, Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio? One of the key considerations when embarking on any journey is the cost involved. Gas prices can significantly affect the budget of a road trip, so it's essential to evaluate the various options available. In this article, we will explore different possible routes, highlighting their costs and distances, and recommend the best route to ensure an efficient and economical journey.
Route 1: via I-76 West and I-71 South
The first route we will consider involves taking I-76 West and I-71 South. This is a relatively straightforward, direct route, covering approximately 420 miles. Let's look at the cost breakdown.
Distance: 420 miles
Gas Consumption: Assuming an average fuel efficiency for most vehicles of around 25 miles per gallon, we would require approximately 16.8 gallons of fuel for this journey [(420 / 25) = 16.8].
Gas Cost: To determine the gas cost, we'll consider the current gas price in Pennsylvania and Ohio. As of [October 2021], the average gas price in Pennsylvania is $3.25 per gallon, while in Ohio, it stands at $3.10 per gallon. Hence, the total gas cost for this route would be:
16.8 gallons * $3.25 per gallon (PA) = $(54.6) 16.8 gallons * $3.10 per gallon (OH) = $(52.08)
Toll Expenses: It's essential to consider toll expenses when calculating the total cost of our trip. On this route, we encounter two significant tolls:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll: The toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for a passenger vehicle is $48.80 [cite source] for the entire trip.
Ohio Turnpike Toll: Traveling on the Ohio Turnpike will incur a toll cost of $13.75 [cite source].
Thus, the total toll expenses on this route would be $48.80 + $13.75 = $(62.55).
Route 2: via I-76 West, I-80 West, and I-71 South
The second route we will evaluate involves taking I-76 West, I-80 West, and I-71 South. This route can be a longer distance but might be preferable based on personal preferences or road conditions. Let's calculate the cost.
Distance: Approximately 450 miles.
Gas Consumption: Assuming the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we would require approximately 18 gallons of fuel for this journey [(450 / 25) = 18].
Gas Cost: Using the average gas prices mentioned earlier, the total gas cost for this route would be:
18 gallons * $3.25 per gallon (PA) = $(58.50) 18 gallons * $3.10 per gallon (OH) = $(55.80)
Toll Expenses: This route also encounters the same tolls as Route 1:
Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll: $48.80.
Ohio Turnpike Toll: $13.75.
Total toll expenses on this route: $48.80 + $13.75 = $(62.55).
Route 3: via US-422 West and I-71 South
Now, let's consider an alternative route - Route 3. This route involves taking US-422 West and then joining I-71 South. Although it might not be the most direct option, some travelers prefer taking this route to enjoy the scenic countryside. Let's calculate its cost.
Distance: Approximately 440 miles.
Gas Consumption: Assuming the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, we would require approximately 17.6 gallons of fuel for this journey [(440 / 25) = 17.6].
Gas Cost: Using the average gas prices mentioned earlier, the total gas cost for this route would be:
17.6 gallons * $3.25 per gallon (PA) = $(57.20) 17.6 gallons * $3.10 per gallon (OH) = $(54.56)
Toll Expenses: This alternative route allows travelers to avoid both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Ohio Turnpike toll roads, resulting in substantial savings compared to the previous routes.
Recommendation
Based on the evaluation of the three routes, the most cost-effective option seems to be Route 3 via US-422 West and I-71 South. While this route might be slightly longer, it offers savings on gas costs and completely avoids toll expenses. Additionally, travelers who enjoy scenic drives will appreciate the charming countryside views along US-422 West.
Conclusion
The cost of a trip from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, to Columbus, Ohio, heavily relies on factors such as gas prices, distance, and toll expenses. After considering three different routes, we recommend taking Route 3 via US-422 West and I-71 South. This option saves money on gas costs and eliminates the need to pay toll fees, making it the most economical choice for budget-conscious travelers. The trip is approximately 440 miles long and should take around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic conditions and any planned stops along the way. So buckle up, enjoy the scenic drive, and have a fantastic journey from Boyertown to Columbus!