The Cost of a Trip: Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a trip from Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton in England can be a wonderful experience, but it is important to plan ahead, especially in terms of costs. The distance between these two places is approximately 63 miles, and there are different routes and transport options to consider. In this article, we will explore the various costs associated with each route, in light of the current gas prices.

Calculating the Cost of Gas

Before we dive into the different routes and modes of transport, it is worth noting that the cost of fuel can vary depending on several factors. According to the AA’s Fuel Price Report, the average price for a litre of petrol as of May 2021 in the UK was around £1.27. However, this cost can be influenced by various things like the supplier and location. As such, it's recommended to check the latest fuel prices in your area before embarking on a trip.

Driving from Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton

The most common way to get from Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton is by driving. There are different routes that one can take, and the choice mainly depends on how much one is willing to spend, the amount of time available, and the preference of the driver.

Route 1: A36 and A303

The first route one can take is through the A36 and A303 roads. The distance through this route is approximately 63 miles and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Based on an average fuel consumption rate of 40 miles per gallon (mpg), the cost of fuel for this trip would be approximately £9.49 (petrol) or £9.87 (diesel). This cost is based on the fuel prices mentioned above.

Route 2: A350 and M5

Another route drivers can consider is by taking the A350 and M5 roads. The distance of this route is approximately 69 miles, and it takes roughly 1 hour and 37 minutes. The fuel cost for this route, assuming a fuel consumption rate of 40 mpg, would be around £10.33 (petrol) or £10.74 (diesel).

Route 3: A37 and A303

A third route drivers can take is by using the A37 and A303 roads. The distance through this route is approximately 66 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes. The fuel cost for the trip, using the same fuel consumption rate of 40 mpg, would be approximately £9.90 (petrol) or £10.30 (diesel).

Best Route

All three routes are quite similar and take roughly the same amount of time. Therefore, in terms of cost, it would be wise to choose the route that takes the shortest distance, which is the first one, through the A36 and A303 roads. This choice would cost approximately £9.49 (petrol) or £9.87 (diesel) one way.

Taking the Train

Alternatively, one can take the train from Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton. Although this option may not be as flexible as driving, it’s still a viable way to travel, with fewer hassles and without the need for parking.

Train Cost

The price of train tickets can vary depending on several factors like the time of day, demand, and how early one books their ticket. However, an off-peak, standard one-way ticket from Bradford-on-Avon to Taunton costs approximately £28.80. The duration of the train ride is around two hours, which is longer compared to driving, but it provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and avoid traffic.

Conclusion

Overall, traveling from Bradford-on-Avon to Somerset West and Taunton can be a bit costly, but with proper planning, it can be an enjoyable experience. Based on the different options, driving through the A36 and A303 is the most cost-effective and efficient way, while taking the train is the most hassle-free way to travel, albeit a bit more expensive. Regardless of the mode of transport, it’s essential to keep in mind the current petrol and diesel prices and calculate them accordingly to get a realistic and accurate idea of the cost of travel.