The Cost of a Trip between Charlottesville, Virginia and Ellicott City, Maryland

Are you planning a trip from Charlottesville, Virginia to Ellicott City, Maryland? If so, you might be wondering about the cost of the journey, especially considering the current gas prices. In this article, we will explore different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one. By the end, we will recommend the best route for your travel needs. So, let's get started!

Route Options

There are several possible routes you can take from Charlottesville to Ellicott City. Each route has its own merits and considerations, including tolls and traffic conditions. Let's take a look at the most popular options:

Route 1: US-29 N and I-70 E

The first route option is to take US-29 N and then switch to I-70 E. This is one of the most straightforward routes between the two destinations. The distance between Charlottesville and Ellicott City using this route is approximately 120 miles.

Gas Prices: The current average gas price in Virginia is $2.87 per gallon, and in Maryland, it is $2.96 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route can be calculated as follows:

(120 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.87/gallon = $13.74

Please note that this calculation is based on average gas prices and fuel efficiency, and your actual costs may vary.

Tolls: Fortunately, there are no tolls on this particular route, making it a cost-effective option for your trip.

Route 2: US-29 N and I-695

Another possible route is to continue on US-29 N until you reach I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. This route is slightly longer, with a distance of approximately 130 miles.

Gas Prices: Using the same average gas price and fuel efficiency calculations mentioned earlier, the cost of gas for this route is:

(130 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.87/gallon = $14.26

While the cost difference between this route and the previous one is minimal, it's worth considering if you have a specific preference for driving on the Baltimore Beltway.

Tolls: There are no tolls on this route either, making it an equally cost-effective option as Route 1.

Route 3: I-64 E and I-695

For those who prefer a more direct route, you can take I-64 E until you reach I-695. This alternative route has a distance of approximately 140 miles.

Gas Prices: Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency calculations, the cost of gas for this route is:

(140 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.87/gallon = $15.98

This route is slightly more expensive in terms of gas cost due to the additional miles traveled.

Tolls: Again, there are no tolls on this route, making it an economically comparable option to the previous routes.

Recommendation

After considering the different route options, we recommend Route 1: US-29 N and I-70 E as the best choice for your trip between Charlottesville and Ellicott City. This route has the shortest distance, combined with no tolls and a reasonable gas cost. However, if you have specific preferences or need to access certain areas along the other routes, feel free to choose accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between Charlottesville, Virginia, and Ellicott City, Maryland is an achievable and cost-effective journey. By taking Route 1: US-29 N and I-70 E, you can cover the distance of approximately 120 miles without encountering any tolls on the way. The estimated gas cost for this route, considering average gas prices and fuel efficiency, is around $13.74. Keep in mind that these numbers may vary based on the actual gas prices in your area and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Safe travels!