Driving Cost from Chardon, Ohio to Carlisle, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Chardon, Ohio and Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Traveling from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, can be an exciting and fun adventure, whether you're going for business or pleasure, alone or with family. However, one of the biggest concerns when planning any travel is the cost, which includes transportation, accommodation, meals, attractions, and other incidentals.

In this article, we'll focus on the cost of transportation by car, specifically gasoline, from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Gas prices vary depending on where you buy and the market conditions, so the cost estimates we provide here are based on the average gasoline prices of November 2021 in the respective states and counties.

Possible Routes and Distances

Before we can calculate the cost of the trip by car, we need to determine the best route that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Below are the three main routes to travel from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and their corresponding distances:

  1. Route 1: Via I-271 S, I-76 E, and I-81 S
  • Distance: 399 miles
  1. Route 2: Via US-22 E and US-15 S
  • Distance: 381 miles
  1. Route 3: Via US-30 E
  • Distance: 430 miles

Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, such as toll roads, traffic, speed limits, road conditions, scenery, and opportunities for food and rest stops. Therefore, it's essential to weigh these factors against the cost of gas and other expenses to determine the most economical and convenient route.

Cost of Gas and Estimation

Gas prices fluctuate frequently, and there is no guarantee that the prices we provide here will remain the same when you travel. However, we'll base our cost estimates on the current average prices of unleaded gasoline in Ohio and Pennsylvania, which are $3.289 and $3.454 per gallon, respectively. We'll also use the distances and average fuel efficiency of a typical midsize car, which is 25 miles per gallon (MPG).

Route 1: Via I-271 S, I-76 E, and I-81 S

This route takes you from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, through the primary interstate highways I-271 S, I-76 E, and I-81 S. Here's the breakdown of the cost of gasoline for this route:

  • Total distance: 399 miles
  • Total gallons needed: 15.96 gallons (rounded up)
  • Total cost of gas: $52.34 (rounded up)
  • Estimated total driving time: 6 hours and 15 minutes (without stops)

If you're taking this route, make sure to bring enough cash or a credit card for the toll booths on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which cost between $8.20 and $67.85, depending on your vehicle class and exit location.

Route 2: Via US-22 E and US-15 S

This route takes you from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, through US-22 E and US-15 S, which offers a more scenic and less stressful drive than the interstates. Here's the breakdown of the cost of gasoline for this route:

  • Total distance: 381 miles
  • Total gallons needed: 15.24 gallons (rounded up)
  • Total cost of gas: $49.67 (rounded up)
  • Estimated total driving time: 6 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

This route has a few toll booths, but they're significantly cheaper than the Turnpike, with a cost of $2 each for the Mahoning Avenue and Cushion Peak exits on US-22 E and $1 for the South Gettysburg/Westminster exit on US-15 S.

Route 3: Via US-30 E

This route takes you from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, through US-30 E, also known as the Lincoln Highway, which stretches across the country and offers a lot of historical and cultural attractions. Here's the breakdown of the cost of gasoline for this route:

  • Total distance: 430 miles
  • Total gallons needed: 17.2 gallons (rounded up)
  • Total cost of gas: $56.52 (rounded up)
  • Estimated total driving time: 7 hours and 45 minutes (without stops)

This route has many stop signs, traffic lights, and lower speed limits than the highways, so it might take longer to complete. However, you'll pass through many small towns, parks, and monuments, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Flight 93 National Memorial, and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

After analyzing the three possible routes based on their distance, gas consumption, driving time, and other factors, we recommend Route 2: Via US-22 E and US-15 S as the best option. Although it's shorter than Route 3, it still allows you to enjoy the scenic and historic attractions of the region, while avoiding most of the tolls and heavy traffic of Route 1.

Here's the cost comparison between the three routes:

Route Distance Gas (gal) Gas Cost Tolls (est) Driving Time
1 399 mi 15.96 $52.34 $20-80 6h15m
2 381 mi 15.24 $49.67 $3 6h30m
3 430 mi 17.2 $56.52 $0 7h45m

As you can see, choosing Route 2 can save you up to $9 compared to Route 1 and up to $6 compared to Route 3, depending on the distance, fuel efficiency, and gas prices. Moreover, you'll enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable ride, with less noise, pollution, and stress.

Conclusion

Traveling from Chardon, Ohio, to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, can be an affordable and rewarding experience if you plan your trip wisely and choose the best route based on your preferences, schedule, and budget. By opting for Route 2: Via US-22 E and US-15 S, you can save money on gas while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural landmarks of the area. However, make sure to budget for other expenses, such as food, lodging, and entertainment, which can vary widely depending on your choices and circumstances. We hope this article helps you plan your trip effectively and enjoyably. Safe travels!