The Cost of a Trip Between Bristow, Virginia and Arlington, Virginia
As we all know, the cost of gas has a significant impact on the amount we will spend on a trip, and it can be a crucial factor in planning your route. So, how much does it cost to travel from Bristow, Virginia, to Arlington, Virginia, and what are the best possible routes to take?
In this article, we will explore the various routes that can be used to travel between the two cities and compare their costs. We'll take into consideration the distance, current gas prices, and the terrain of each route.
The Route Options
Route 1: The Direct Route
The most direct route between Bristow and Arlington is to follow I-66 E, and it will take you approximately 33.5 miles, depending on your starting point and the traffic. This route is the easiest to follow and is the shortest in terms of distance, but it can be the most expensive one because of the tolls that you might encounter.
If you take the direct route, you will encounter the following tolls:
- Gainesville Toll Plaza - $1.50
- West Falls Church Metro Station - $1.75
Additionally, if you drive a vehicle with an EZ-Pass, the amount might be lower. You can use Waze or Google Maps to verify your toll fares and make sure you have enough cash in your pockets.
Route 2: The I-95 N Route
The second route that can be used to travel from Bristow to Arlington is to follow I-95 N. This route will take you around 45 miles, which is 12.5 miles more than the direct route. However, it might save you some money because there are no tolls on this route, which can reduce your overall trip cost.
The only significant downside of taking the I-95 N route is the heavy traffic that you might encounter around the Woodbridge area, which can significantly increase your travel time.
Route 3: The Scenic Route
The third route that can be used to travel from Bristow to Arlington follows VA-286 S. This route takes you through the Bull Run Mountains and provides scenic views of the Virginia countryside. However, it is the longest route and is not the most direct or fastest way to get to Arlington.
This route is approximately 60.5 miles, which is 27 miles more than the direct route, and it takes more than an hour to complete your journey. It is also important to note that this route will not have any tolls. However, it might have some winding roads that can challenge some drivers.
Comparing the Costs
Now that we have laid out the different route options let's compare their costs.
If you drive a car that gets 25 miles per gallon and the current gas price is $3.10 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip will be as follows:
| Route | Distance | Miles Per Gallon | Price Per Gallon | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33.5 mi | 25 mpg | $3.10 | $4.65 |
| 2 | 45.0 mi | 25 mpg | $3.10 | $6.25 |
| 3 | 60.5 mi | 25 mpg | $3.10 | $8.98 |
Additionally, we've included the toll fares for route one (direct):
| Toll Plaza | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gainesville Toll Plaza | $1.50 |
| West Falls Church Metro Station | $1.75 |
| Total | $3.25 |
As you can see, taking the direct route is the most expensive one due to the tolls. The second route is slightly cheaper because there are no tolls, but it's longer, and you may encounter heavy traffic. On the other hand, the scenic route is the longest but the cheapest.
Recommendations
Based on our analysis, we recommend taking the I-95 N route from Bristow to Arlington. Although it is longer than the direct route, it is the most cost-effective option since it doesn't have any tolls. If you have a higher tolerance for traffic, it is also a great choice compared to the scenic route.
In any case, it is important to note that traffic can significantly affect travel times, and gas prices can fluctuate, so it's best to use our analysis as a guideline and prepare accordingly before your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traveling from Bristow to Arlington can be an exciting journey. There are different routes you can take, each with its own unique features. Taking the I-95 N route can save you some money by avoiding tolls. But, as with any trip, traffic and gas prices should always be taken into account. Safe travels!