The Cost of a Road Trip between Brick Township, NJ and Baltimore, MD in the Time of Gas Price Hikes
If you're planning a road trip from Brick Township, New Jersey to Baltimore, Maryland, one of the biggest concerns you may have is the cost of gas. With gas prices increasing rapidly, it's more important than ever to plan your route and calculate the cost of your trip ahead of time. In this article, we'll break down different possible routes and highlight the distance and cost of each, while also recommending the best option based on your budget and time constraints.
Route 1: Via the Garden State Parkway and I-95
The most direct route from Brick Township to Baltimore is via the Garden State Parkway and I-95. This route covers a distance of approximately 175 miles and takes around three hours without traffic.
To calculate the estimated cost of gas for this trip, we need to factor in gas prices and our vehicle's gas mileage. As of August 2021, the national average gas price is $3.15 per gallon. To make things easier, we'll assume our car gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg).
The total cost of gas for this route is approximately $27.44 based on the above assumptions. However, this doesn't account for any tolls along the way. This route has various tolls, including the toll bridge over the Delaware River and the toll plaza for the New Jersey Turnpike, which would cost an additional $19.65.
Therefore, the total estimated cost of this route including gas and tolls is $47.09.
Route 2: Via the Atlantic City Expressway and Delaware Turnpike
Another option for this trip is to take the Atlantic City Expressway and Delaware Turnpike. This route covers a distance of approximately 182 miles and takes around three and a half hours without traffic.
Using our assumptions from earlier, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be around $29.12. Additionally, this route has multiple tolls as well, including the Egg Harbor toll plaza and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which would bring the total cost of tolls to $7.00.
Therefore, the total estimated cost of this route including gas and tolls is $36.12.
Route 3: Via the I-295 and Delaware Turnpike
A third option is to take the I-295 and Delaware Turnpike. This route covers a distance of approximately 191 miles and takes around three and a half hours without traffic.
If we use our assumptions from earlier, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be around $30.56. Like the other routes, this one also has tolls along the way, including the toll bridge over the Delaware River and the Delaware Turnpike, which would cost an additional $12.25.
Therefore, the total estimated cost of this route including gas and tolls is $42.81.
Recommended Route
Based on both cost and distance, the recommended route for this trip is Route 1 via the Garden State Parkway and I-95. Despite being the most expensive option, it is the shortest option in terms of distance. It also takes the least amount of time to travel, which can save you time and money in the long run. However, it's always important to factor in traffic delays, especially during peak travel season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while gas prices continue to rise, it's still possible to plan a road trip from Brick Township to Baltimore while keeping costs in check. The recommended route depends on factors like your time constraints and budget. If you're looking for the shortest and fastest option, route 1 (via the Garden State Parkway and I-95) may be your best bet, but it also comes with the highest estimated cost. However, no matter which route you choose, planning ahead and calculating your expenses can help ensure a successful trip. Safe travels!