The Cost of a Trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide Based on Current Gas Prices
If you are planning a trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland, you may be wondering how much it will cost and what the quickest and most efficient route is. This article will break down the cost and distance of each possible route, as well as provide recommendations for the best route to take based on current gas prices.
Possible Routes
There are several different routes you can take when traveling between Charleston, West Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland. These include:
Route 1: I-79 S and I-68 E
This route involves taking I-79 S and I-68 E. It is the shortest and most direct route, but also involves tolls.
Distance: 244.4 miles
Tolls: $11.30 (based on 2-axle vehicle)
Route 2: US-220 S and I-68 E
This route involves taking US-220 S and I-68 E. It is slightly longer than Route 1 but is toll-free.
Distance: 279.9 miles
Tolls: $0
Route 3: I-77 S and I-81 S
This route involves taking I-77 S and I-81 S. It is the longest of the three routes but is also toll-free.
Distance: 373.4 miles
Tolls: $0
Cost Breakdown
When calculating the cost of a trip, it is important to factor in not only the cost of gas but also the cost of any tolls you may encounter. Here is an estimate of the cost for each route based on the average cost of gas in West Virginia and Maryland as of August 2021:
Route 1: I-79 S and I-68 E
The cost of gas for this route would be approximately $32.59 (based on a 24-gallon tank with an average price of $2.83 per gallon in West Virginia and Maryland).
Add in the toll cost of $11.30 and the total cost of the trip would be approximately $43.89.
Route 2: US-220 S and I-68 E
The cost of gas for this route would be approximately $37.52 (based on a 24-gallon tank with an average price of $3.30 per gallon in West Virginia and Maryland).
As this route does not involve any tolls, the total cost of the trip would be approximately $37.52.
Route 3: I-77 S and I-81 S
The cost of gas for this route would be approximately $49.47 (based on a 24-gallon tank with an average price of $4.32 per gallon in Virginia and Maryland).
As this route does not involve any tolls, the total cost of the trip would be approximately $49.47.
Overall, Route 2 is the cheapest option, followed by Route 1 and then Route 3.
Recommendations
Based on current gas prices and toll charges, the best route to take between Charleston, West Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland is Route 2: US-220 S and I-68 E.
Not only is this route the cheapest option, but it is also toll-free, which means you will not need to factor in any additional costs.
If you are looking for a quicker route and do not mind paying tolls, Route 1 may be a good option. However, if you are looking to save money and do not mind a slightly longer travel time, Route 2 is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion
Overall, the cost of a trip between Charleston, West Virginia and Waldorf, Maryland will vary depending on which route you take and what the current gas prices and toll charges are.
Based on current gas prices and toll charges, the cheapest and most efficient route is Route 2: US-220 S and I-68 E, with an estimated total trip cost of approximately $37.52.
Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to factor in the cost of gas and any tolls you may encounter to ensure you stay within your budget and have a stress-free trip.