The Cost of a Trip from Brick Township, NJ to Smithfield, NC: Driving vs. Flying

If you're planning a trip from Brick Township, New Jersey, to Smithfield, North Carolina, you might be curious about the cost of getting there. The two places are quite far apart - about 445 miles by car - which means there are a few different options for getting there. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a trip from Brick Township to Smithfield by both driving and flying, and we'll help you figure out which option might be best for you.

Driving from Brick Township, NJ to Smithfield, NC

Driving from Brick Township to Smithfield is the most straightforward option, and it's probably what most people would choose. The distance between the two cities is about 445 miles, so you'll want to make sure your car is in good condition and that you have plenty of gas.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you could take to get to Smithfield. Here are some of the most common:

Route 1: I-95 South

This is probably the most direct and popular route to take. You start on the Garden State Parkway, then merge onto the New Jersey Turnpike, which eventually turns into I-95. You follow I-95 almost the whole way to Smithfield. This route is about 445 miles long.

Route 2: I-81 South

If you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic on I-95, you might consider taking the longer but less crowded I-81 South. You'll still take the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike to get to the beginning of I-81, but then you'll head south instead of east on I-95. After a few hundred miles, you'll pick up I-40 east to get to Smithfield. This route is about 580 miles long.

Route 3: Coastal Route

If you're in no particular hurry and you'd like to see more of the East Coast, you could opt for the coastal route. You'll take Route 9 south to Cape May, then catch a ferry to Lewes, Delaware. From there, you'll drive down through Maryland and Virginia before getting back on I-95 near Richmond. This route is about 515 miles long.

Cost of Gasoline

Now, let's talk about the cost of driving to Smithfield. Obviously, the price of gasoline can fluctuate depending on where you are and when you're traveling, but as of this writing (May 2021), the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is about $3.00.

If your car gets an average of about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 18 gallons of gas to make the trip from Brick Township to Smithfield. That means you'll spend about $54 on gas each way. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate - if your car gets better or worse mileage or gas prices change significantly, your costs will be different.

Total Cost of Driving

In addition to gasoline, you'll also need to consider the cost of tolls, food, and possibly lodging if you need to make an overnight stop. Tolls will vary depending on which route you take, but you can expect to pay about $40 in tolls if you take I-95 South. Food and lodging costs will depend on your personal preferences and budget.

Overall, if you drive from Brick Township to Smithfield, you can expect to spend at least $200 or so on gas, tolls, and food if you make the trip in one day. If you need to stop overnight, you can expect to spend more.

Flying from Brick Township, NJ to Smithfield, NC

If you're not up for a long car trip, you might consider flying from Brick Township to Smithfield. There are a few different flight options, so let's take a look at those.

Flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport

The closest major airport to Smithfield is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which is about 35 miles away. You can fly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, NJ, which is the closest major airport to Brick Township.

Flight Cost

As of this writing, flights from EWR to RDU start at about $100 one-way, but prices can fluctuate significantly depending on when you book and when you're traveling. You'll want to check multiple airlines and travel websites to find the best deal.

Total Cost of Flying

In addition to the cost of the flight, you'll also need to factor in transportation to and from the airport, as well as any baggage fees or other expenses. If you need to rent a car or take a taxi from the airport to Smithfield, that will add to your total cost as well.

Ultimately, flying from Brick Township to Smithfield will likely be more expensive than driving, especially if you're traveling alone. However, the convenience and time savings might be worth it to you, especially if you're in a hurry or don't want to deal with the hassle of a long car trip.

Conclusion

So, what's the best way to get from Brick Township to Smithfield? Ultimately, the answer will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you love road trips and don't mind driving for several hours, driving might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you value your time and aren't up for a long car trip, flying might be the better option.

In terms of cost, driving will likely be cheaper overall, but if you factor in the value of your time, flying might be more cost-effective. Whatever you choose, be sure to plan ahead and factor in all of the different expenses so that you can make the best decision for your own situation.