The Cost of a Trip Between Brick Township and Middletown Township: Comparing Routes
Are you planning a trip from Brick Township to Middletown Township? One important factor to consider when mapping out your journey is the cost. With gas prices fluctuating, it's important to find the most economic route possible without sacrificing time and convenience. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one to help you make an informed decision.
Route 1: The Garden State Parkway
The Garden State Parkway is a convenient, toll-based highway that connects many major areas in New Jersey. In terms of distance, taking the Garden State Parkway from Brick Township to Middletown Township is the quickest option. The journey is approximately 24.3 miles long and takes about 30 minutes without traffic.
The cost of tolls for this route varies based on your departure point and time of travel. If you're exiting at the Middletown Township exit 114, it will cost $1.50 in cash or $1.36 with E-Z Pass. If you're driving from Brick Township, you'll also need to pay a toll to get onto the Garden State Parkway. The cost varies depending on which exit you use to enter the highway, but it ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 in cash or $0.45 to $1.36 with E-Z Pass.
In total, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.95 to $3.86 each way when taking the Garden State Parkway. While it's the most expensive option for tolls, it also saves you time and distance in driving, making it a good choice for those in a hurry.
Route 2: County Route 549
If you're looking for a more scenic route that avoids tolls, County Route 549 may be a better option for you. This road runs parallel to the Garden State Parkway and travels through many small towns in New Jersey.
The distance from Brick Township to Middletown Township via County Route 549 is approximately 34.5 miles. Without traffic, this journey takes about 45 minutes.
Of course, avoiding tolls means you'll save money on your trip. The cost of taking this route is just the cost of your gas and vehicle wear and tear. This will vary based on the fuel efficiency of your car and current gas prices. Keep in mind that this route takes more time and may be less convenient than taking the Garden State Parkway.
Route 3: New Jersey Route 34
New Jersey Route 34 is a much shorter route than County Route 549 and a good compromise between tolls and distance. Traveling this road will still avoid the tolls of the Garden State Parkway while also minimizing the distance traveled.
The distance from Brick Township to Middletown Township via New Jersey Route 34 is approximately 25.4 miles. Without traffic, this journey takes about 35 minutes.
Like County Route 549, taking this route means you'll save money on tolls. However, the savings may be offset by the fact that you'll be driving a slightly longer distance than if you were to take the Garden State Parkway. Additionally, this route may not be as scenic as County Route 549.
Route 4: U.S. Route 9
U.S. Route 9 is another alternative to the toll-heavy Garden State Parkway. This road is a popular option for those looking to travel between many towns in New Jersey.
The distance from Brick Township to Middletown Township via U.S. Route 9 is approximately 28.7 miles. Without traffic, this journey takes about 45 minutes.
Like County Route 549 and New Jersey Route 34, taking U.S. Route 9 means you'll avoid tolls and save money. However, this route is slightly longer than taking New Jersey Route 34 and may be less convenient for those looking to travel directly between Brick Township and Middletown Township.
The Cost Breakdown
To summarize the costs of each route, we've broken it down in the table below based on tolls, distance, and travel time:
| Route | Tolls | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden State Parkway | $1.95 - $3.86 | 24.3 miles | 30 minutes |
| County Route 549 | $0 | 34.5 miles | 45 minutes |
| New Jersey Route 34 | $0 | 25.4 miles | 35 minutes |
| U.S. Route 9 | $0 | 28.7 miles | 45 minutes |
The Best Route
So, with all this information, which route is the best option for your trip from Brick Township to Middletown Township? Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
If you're looking for the most convenient, quickest, and direct route, taking the Garden State Parkway is the best option despite the added toll costs. On the other hand, if you're looking to save money and don't mind a longer travel time and slightly less convenient route, County Route 549 may be the best choice.
Lastly, if you're looking for a happy medium between convenience, cost, and distance, we recommend taking New Jersey Route 34. This route avoids the tolls while minimizing the distance traveled and still takes a reasonable amount of time to complete the journey.
Conclusion
When planning a trip from Brick Township to Middletown Township, the cost of your journey is important to consider. Depending on your priorities, you may choose to take the Garden State Parkway for convenience, County Route 549 for saving money, or New Jersey Route 34 for a happy medium between cost and convenience.
Whichever route you choose, be sure to account for any tolls, gas costs, and travel time when planning your journey. Safe travels!