Driving Cost from Butler, Pennsylvania to Town of Southold, New York

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The True Cost of Traveling from Butler, Pennsylvania to The Town of Southold, New York

Traveling from Butler, Pennsylvania to the Town of Southold, New York, can be a great road trip for a group of people who want to discover the beauty of the Northeastern part of the United States. But, depending on the chosen route, gas prices, and other factors, the cost of this trip can have some considerable variations. In this article, we will analyze the possible routes and their distances, along with their respective costs, so you can plan your trip and enjoy the best route possible.

Understanding the Possible Routes

There are mainly two options for those traveling from Butler, Pennsylvania to the Town of Southold, New York. The first option is to take the I-76 and head straight to I-95, and then take the I-495. The second option is to take the I-80, and then connect to I-81 South until you reach I-78. After that, connect to I-287, and finally take the I-95 South until the Town of Southold, New York. Both routes have their pros and cons, but the main differences lay in the distance and the cost of traveling.

  • Route 1: I-76E, I-95S, and I-495E.

This route has a distance of approximately 414 miles, with a travel time of around 7 hours. It is the shortest route in terms of distance, but it can be costly due to the tolls and high gas prices in some areas. There will be tolls in the following places:

  • We will start on the PA Turnpike, which has expenses depending on the entry and exit points, as well as the car’s type.

  • Delaware River-Bridge Toll Plaza – This is a one-way toll that ranges between $5- $8.

  • Baltimore Harbor Tunnel – This is a one-way toll that ranges from $4- $6.

  • Fort McHenry Tunnel – This is a one-way toll that ranges from $4- $6.

  • Francis Scott Key Bridge and John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway - This is a toll that ranges from $4- $6.

As for the gas prices, depending on where you choose to refuel, the prices will fluctuate. Pennsylvania and New York have average gas prices of $3.15 and $3.23, respectively. For instance, if you own a mid-size car with a 25-gallon tank and the EPA-rated highway gas mileage of 35 mpg, you'll have to gas up six times, which will amount to around $240.

  • Route 2: I-80E, I-81S, I-78E, I-287S, and I-95S.

This route has a distance of approximately 496 miles, with a travel time of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. Although this route is longer, gas prices are lower and there are fewer tolls to pay. Here’s where the tolls will be:

  • We will start on the Toll on PA 66, which has expenses depending on the entry and exit points, as well as the car’s type.

  • Lehigh Tunnel - This is a one-way toll that ranges from $5.60 - $8.60.

  • Delaware River-Bridge Toll Plaza – This is a one-way toll that ranges between $5 - $8.

As for gas prices, taking into account Pennsylvania and New York's average gas prices, if you own that same mid-size car with the 25-gallon tank with an EPA-rated highway gas mileage of 35 mpg, you will have to gas up roughly five times, which will cost an estimated sum of $200.

Choosing the Best Route

After reviewing both routes, it is clear that Route 2, the longer route, is more cost-effective. The $40 difference between the two routes may not seem significant, but if you're traveling with others or on a tight budget, the savings can be used towards other aspects of the trip.

Another element to consider is traffic. Route 1 has more traffic than Route 2 in general. Route 2 may experience congested parts during peak hours and high seasons, but it is less likely to have major traffic jams in comparison to the I-95.

Lastly, Route 2 has a particularly picturesque part of the route. It has trails and open spaces, which can be relaxing and enjoyable. Even though Route 1 is a shorter route, it mostly consists of cities and highways with non-appealing views.

Conclusion

Traveling from Butler, Pennsylvania to the Town of Southold, New York, can have significant variations regarding the chosen route and the costs. Although it may seem that Route 1 is the most convenient due to the shorter distance, it turns out that Route 2 is the most cost-effective on the long run. With fewer tolls, fewer traffic jams, and a more relaxing landscape, Route 2 is the optimal choice for traveling to Southold, New York. The travel time is only 1 hour and 30 minutes longer, but the savings of $40 and the more comfortable drive can make it worthwhile.