The Cost of a Road Trip Between Bradford, Pennsylvania and Erie, Pennsylvania: Comparing Routes Based on Gas Prices

If you're planning a road trip from Bradford, Pennsylvania to Erie, Pennsylvania, there's a lot to consider. You've got to figure out the best route, how much time you'll need to allocate for the journey, and of course, how much it will cost you. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into all of these considerations, with a focus on the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take on your journey from Bradford to Erie. The one you choose will depend on factors like how much time you have, how comfortable you are driving on different types of roads, your budget, and your personal preferences. Here are three popular route options:

Route 1: The Shortest Route

The shortest route between Bradford and Erie is via US-219 and I-90 West. This route covers a total distance of around 85 miles and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. The journey takes you through the Allegheny National Forest and on to the shores of Lake Erie.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're the type of person who enjoys taking the scenic route, you might want to consider taking Route 6. This winds its way through the northern Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the forests and hills along the way. The route covers around 116 miles and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Route 3: The Middle Ground

If you're looking for a route that falls somewhere in between the shortest and the scenic routes, consider taking PA-346 and I-90 West. This route covers a total distance of around 92 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. This route takes you through some of the more rural areas of Pennsylvania, with picturesque farmland and rolling hills in the background.

Gas Prices and Calculating Cost

As of this writing in June 2021, the average price of gas in Pennsylvania is around $3.11 per gallon. For our calculations, we'll use this number as a baseline and assume that most cars get around 25 miles per gallon. Keep in mind that your actual gas mileage may vary based on the type of car you have, your driving style, and other factors.

Route 1: The Shortest Route

Since this is the shortest route, you'll use the least amount of gas. Based on our estimate of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 3.4 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This works out to a total cost of around $10.55 in gas.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Since this route is longer, you'll need more gas to complete the journey. Based on our estimate of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 4.6 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This works out to a total cost of around $14.31 in gas.

Route 3: The Middle Ground

This route falls somewhere in between the shortest and the scenic routes in terms of distance. Based on our estimate of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 3.7 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This works out to a total cost of around $11.49 in gas.

Recommendations and Conclusion

Based on the information above, the shortest route (Route 1) is the cheapest option in terms of gas costs. However, it's important to keep in mind that other factors may come into play when deciding which route to take, such as how much time you have to spare, and whether you're more interested in enjoying the scenery or getting to your destination as quickly as possible.

In terms of total trip time, the shortest route and the middle ground routes are very similar at around 1 hour and 40 to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The scenic route, on the other hand, takes significantly longer at around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

At the end of the day, the route you choose will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you're more interested in saving money on gas, taking in beautiful scenery, or getting to your destination as quickly as possible, there's a route that will work for you.