The Cost of a Trip Between Bradley Beach and Howell Township: Navigating Gas Price Fluctuations

Traveling between two towns can be an exciting proposition. However, travelers often face the challenge of choosing a way to get from point A to point B without breaking the bank. When planning a trip between Bradley Beach, New Jersey, and Howell Township, New Jersey, one must take into account factors such as distance, traffic, and gas prices. This article will explore the different possible routes between the two towns, highlighting the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective options.

Route 1: Via County Road 524

The first and most straightforward route between Bradley Beach and Howell Township is via County Road 524. It is a 14.7-mile drive that usually takes around 26 minutes without traffic. To get onto County Road 524, take Ocean Avenue and continue straight onto Asbury Park Circle. Then take the 1st exit onto Route 35 North, follow it for around 1.7 miles until reaching County Road 524 on the left-hand side. Take the left turn onto County Road 524, and you will arrive in Howell Township.

As of August 2021, the average gas price in New Jersey is $3.09 per gallon. This route requires approximately 0.5 gallons (round trip) of gas consumption, which means the fuel cost is around $1.55 for a one-way trip and $3.10 for a round trip.

Route 2: Via Route 18

Another option to travel between Bradley Beach and Howell Township is taking Route 18, one of the most popular highways in New Jersey. The distance in this route is longer, around 17.2 miles, and it often takes longer to travel during peak hours. To take this route, drive south on Ocean Avenue or Main Street until reaching Route 35 South. Follow Route 35 South for just under 5 miles until reaching the intersection with Route 18 South. Take Route 18 South for around 11 miles until reaching Howell Township.

The fuel cost for this route is around $2.13 per gallon round trip, which means that if you have a car with a 20-gallon capacity, you will need to pay $42.60 for a round trip. However, this route may not be the best choice during peak hours because of high traffic congestion, and travel time can range from 40 minutes to about two hours.

Route 3: Via Garden State Parkway

The Garden State Parkway is one of the most popular toll roads in New Jersey and offers a convenient way to travel between Bradley Beach and Howell Township. The total distance via Garden State Parkway is around 13.5 miles, and you can reach your destination in approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. To take this route, drive on Ocean Avenue or Main Street until you come to the junction with Route 33. Stay on Route 33 for about 0.3 miles until you reach the Garden State Parkway ramp. Take the exit on the right-hand side and enter the Garden State Parkway South. After driving 5 miles, take the Englishtown Exit 123 onto Route 9 and continue for about 3.3 miles until you reach Howell Township.

The fuel cost for this route is around $1.77 per gallon round trip, which means that if you have a 20-gallon capacity car, you will need to pay around $35.40 for a round trip. However, it is essential to note that this route has tolls, and you need to have an E-ZPass to get the discounted toll rates.

Recommendations

Based on the distance, fuel cost, and traffic congestion, the best route from Bradley Beach to Howell Township is via Route 524. It is the shortest route and requires less fuel consumption, resulting in a less expensive trip. Although Route 18 could be an option to consider, the chances of getting stuck in traffic are high, and the longer distance adds to the cost of fuel and overall travel time. Taking the Garden State Parkway might seem more convenient in terms of travel time, but the tolls can increase the cost substantially.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a round trip between Bradley Beach and Howell Township is estimated to be around $3.10 for County Road 524, $42.60 for Route 18, and $35.40 for Garden State Parkway, depending on your car's fuel consumption and other costs such as tolls. When deciding which route to take, it is essential to consider the distance, traffic, and gas prices. Although each route offers unique benefits, County Road 524 is the recommended route, as it is the shortest, cheapest, and most efficient way. The drive takes approximately 26 minutes without traffic, making it a great option for a quick commute or a leisurely drive.