The Cost of Driving From Charlottesville, Virginia to Arlington, Virginia based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Charlottesville to Arlington in Virginia? While driving can be a convenient and enjoyable way to travel, it's important to consider the cost of the journey. In this blog post, we will explore different routes, their distances, time taken, and the cost associated with each route, including gas prices and tolls.
Route 1: Via I-64 E and I-66 E
This is the most direct route from Charlottesville to Arlington. The distance via I-64 E and I-66 E is approximately 115 miles. The estimated driving time is around 2 hours.
To calculate the cost of this route, we need to consider gas prices and tolls. Assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a car that runs 25 miles per gallon, for a 115-mile trip, you would require 4.6 gallons of gas. The total cost for gas on this route would be $11.50.
Please note that this route has two tolls. The first toll on I-64 E costs $4.75, and the second toll on I-66 E costs $1.00. Therefore, the total cost of tolls would be $5.75.
Route 2: Via US-29 N and I-66 E
Another option to consider is taking US-29 N and I-66 E. While this route may be slightly longer, it offers scenic views and the opportunity to stop at interesting places along the way. The distance via this route is approximately 125 miles, adding an extra 10 miles to your journey. The estimated driving time would also be around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Using the same gas price and fuel consumption assumptions, the cost of gas for this route would be slightly higher at $12.50.
There is a single toll on this route, which is on I-66 E and costs $1.00.
Route 3: Via US-29 N and George Washington Memorial Parkway
For a more picturesque route, you could consider taking US-29 N and George Washington Memorial Parkway. This route offers stunning views of the Potomac River and is popular among road trip enthusiasts. The distance via this route is approximately 135 miles, adding an extra 20 miles to your journey. The estimated driving time would be around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Again, assuming the same gas prices and fuel consumption, the cost of gas for this route would be $13.50.
It's important to note that this route does not have any tolls, so you can save on toll fees.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of driving from Charlottesville, Virginia to Arlington, Virginia can vary depending on the route you choose. While the most direct route through I-64 E and I-66 E may be the shortest, it does incur toll fees. Alternatively, taking US-29 N and George Washington Memorial Parkway offers a more scenic journey without any tolls.
Before embarking on your road trip, it's a good idea to consider the distance, cost, and time associated with each route. Be sure to factor in gas prices, tolls, and any other expenses you may encounter along the way. Plan accordingly, and enjoy your journey from Charlottesville to Arlington!