The Cost of a Trip Between Carmel and Wawarsing: A Guide

Road trips can be a great way to explore new places, visit family, or simply get away from the daily grind. But before hitting the open road, it's important to factor in the cost of the journey, especially when considering the distance between two destinations. This guide will detail the different possible routes between Carmel and Wawarsing in New York, along with their respective distances and costs, to help travelers make an informed decision.

Routes of the trip

There are three main routes between Carmel and Wawarsing, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of each one.

Route 1: Through I-84 East

The first route involves taking I-84 East for most of the journey. This is the quickest and most direct route, but also the most expensive one in terms of tolls.

The drive starts on NY-311 E in Carmel and continues onto I-84 E for the majority of the trip. Total distance is around 62 miles, and the estimated driving time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Tolls along the way include: $2.50 at the exit for the Taconic State Parkway, $1.50 at the exit for the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, and $1.50 at the exit for the Shawangunk Expressway. This adds up to a total of $5.50 in tolls for this route.

Route 2: Through NY-52 West

The second route involves taking NY-52 West for most of the trip. This is the least expensive route in terms of tolls, but also the longest and slowest one due to the winding roads.

The drive starts on US-6 W in Carmel and continues onto NY-52 W for the majority of the trip. Total distance is around 67 miles, and the estimated driving time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The only toll on this route is $1.50 at the exit for the Shawangunk Expressway, which makes it the most budget-friendly route at $1.50 in tolls.

Route 3: Through NY-17 South

The third route involves taking NY-17 South for most of the trip. This is the mid-range option in terms of distance, time, and tolls.

The drive starts on US-6 W in Carmel and continues onto NY-17 S for the majority of the trip. Total distance is around 64 miles, and the estimated driving time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tolls along the way include $1.50 at the exit for the Shawangunk Expressway and $1.50 at the exit for the NYS Thruway. This adds up to a total of $3 in tolls for this route.

Best Route Recommendation

After considering the different options, the best route between Carmel and Wawarsing depends mainly on three factors: budget, time, and driving preferences.

For those in a hurry, Route 1 through I-84 offers a straight and fast way to get to Wawarsing, albeit at a cost of $5.50 in tolls. However, if scenic routes are the preference, Route 2 through NY-52 offers a beautiful view of the Hudson Valley and less stress on the wallet, at only $1.50 in tolls.

Finally, for those who prefer a balance between time and cost, Route 3 through NY-17 is a good option. With a total of $3 in tolls, it's a middle ground in terms of expenses, and still offers a relatively straight and quick route.

Conclusion

The distance between Carmel and Wawarsing can be covered in different ways, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Travelers can choose to take the fastest, most scenic, or most budget-friendly route, depending on their preferences, time, and budget. Whether driving through I-84, NY-52, or NY-17, the trip is sure to offer some beautiful views and a chance to explore a new part of New York state. After all, the journey can be just as rewarding as the destination.