The Cost of a Trip from Brentwood, NY to New York, NY During Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip from Brentwood, NY to New York, NY, it's important to factor in the cost of gas into your budget. Gas prices are constantly fluctuating, but as of the writing of this article, the average price of gas in Brentwood is $2.86 per gallon, and the average price of gas in New York City is $3.10 per gallon. Here we will break down the different possible routes, along with their costs and distances, to help you determine the best option for your trip.

Route 1: The Long Island Expressway

The Long Island Expressway, or LIE, is the most direct route from Brentwood to New York City. The total distance is approximately 40 miles, and the journey should take around an hour if there is light traffic. However, during peak hours, such as rush hour, it can take significantly longer.

Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, and the current price of gas in Brentwood is $2.86 per gallon, the cost of gas for this trip would be around $11.44 each way.

Route 2: Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook State Parkway

Another possible route is to take the Southern State Parkway to the Meadowbrook State Parkway, and then merge onto the Wantagh State Parkway, which eventually leads to the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. This route is a bit more scenic, but it is slightly longer and can be prone to heavy traffic.

The total distance for this route is approximately 42 miles, and it should take just over an hour if you hit light traffic. However, during peak traffic hours, expect a longer journey time.

Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, and the current price of gas in Brentwood is $2.86 per gallon, the cost of gas for this trip would be around $11.91 each way.

Route 3: Northern State Parkway and Cross Island Parkway

A third option is to take the Northern State Parkway to the Cross Island Parkway, which merges onto Grand Central Parkway, and eventually leads into Manhattan. This route is slightly longer than Route 1, but may be worth considering if you want to avoid the congestion of the LIE.

The total distance for this route is approximately 44 miles, and it should take around an hour and a half if you hit light traffic. During peak traffic hours, expect an even longer journey time.

Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, and the current price of gas in Brentwood is $2.86 per gallon, the cost of gas for this trip would be around $12.41 each way.

Route 4: The Train

Of course, driving may not be the most practical or cost-effective option for everyone. The Long Island Rail Road, or LIRR, offers frequent service from Brentwood to Penn Station in New York City. The fare varies depending on the time of day and whether or not you purchase your ticket in advance, but as of the writing of this article, the peak fare is $15.25 each way, while the off-peak fare is $11.50 each way.

The LIRR is a great option for those who want to avoid traffic and parking fees in the city. However, keep in mind that this option may not be as convenient if you're traveling to a destination in the city that is not directly accessible by train.

Conclusion

In terms of cost, taking your own vehicle is the most economical option, provided you factor in the cost of gas and any parking fees that may apply. Of the different routes we've outlined, the LIE is the most direct and usually the quickest. However, if you want to avoid heavy traffic, or just want a more scenic drive, the Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook State Parkway offer a reasonable alternative.

Ultimately, the best route for your trip will depend on your priorities and needs. Consider the time of day you'll be traveling, how much traffic you're willing to put up with, and any parking or toll fees that may apply. Whatever option you choose, be sure to factor in any unforeseen circumstances that may impact your journey time and budget.