Estimating the Cost of a Road Trip from Derry, New Hampshire to Piscataway Township, New Jersey Based on Current Gas Prices
Taking a road trip can be a thrilling adventure, but understanding the costs involved can make the journey more manageable. For those planning a trip from Derry, New Hampshire, to Piscataway Township, New Jersey, several factors come into play when estimating costs, including distance, route options, and current gas prices. In this article, we’ll explore various routes and provide a comprehensive cost analysis based on today’s gas prices to help you budget for your trip.
Overview of the Journey
Derry, NH, is located in Rockingham County, about 50 miles north of Boston. Piscataway Township is situated in Middlesex County, New Jersey — approximately 40 miles southwest of New York City. The entire trip covers a distance of around 200 miles. As with any road trip, choosing the right route can have a significant impact on both travel time and fuel costs.
Current Gas Prices
To calculate the cost of gas for the trip, we first need to check today’s gas prices. As of October 2023, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in New England is around $3.75, while in New Jersey, it is approximately $3.50. Given these prices, we can make better estimates for our journey.
For the sake of this analysis, let’s assume that the vehicle in question has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, which is typical for many cars on the road today. This will help us calculate the total fuel cost for different routes.
Route Options
Route 1: I-93 South to I-95 South
- Distance: approximately 200 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours
- Route Description: Take I-93 South from Derry to I-95 South, then merge onto I-295 South toward New Jersey. This route is direct and sees minimal traffic compared to other major highways.
Cost Estimate:
- Total gallons of gas needed: ( \frac{200 \text}{25 \text} = 8 \text )
- Total fuel cost: ( 8 \text \times 3.75 \text{ USD/gallon} = 30 \text ) (in NH)
- Total fuel cost: ( 8 \text \times 3.50 \text{ USD/gallon} = 28 \text ) (in NJ)
- Total Estimated Fuel Cost: $30 (NH) or $28 (NJ)
Route 2: I-93 South to I-84 West
- Distance: approximately 210 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Route Description: Begin on I-93 South, then transition to I-84 West through Connecticut before heading south toward Piscataway. This route gives scenic views along the Connecticut River and is a bit longer but less congested compared to I-95.
Cost Estimate:
- Total gallons of gas needed: ( \frac{210 \text}{25 \text} = 8.4 \text )
- Total fuel cost in New Hampshire: ( 8.4 \times 3.75 = 31.50 \text )
- Total fuel cost in New Jersey: ( 8.4 \times 3.50 = 29.40 \text )
- Total Estimated Fuel Cost: $31.50 (NH) or $29.40 (NJ)
Route 3: I-495 South and NJ Turnpike
- Distance: approximately 220 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Route Description: Begin on I-93 South, then join I-495 South to connect with the NJ Turnpike. While it takes a bit longer, this route allows for more pit stops and dining options.
Cost Estimate:
- Total gallons of gas needed: ( \frac{220 \text}{25 \text} = 8.8 \text )
- Total fuel cost in New Hampshire: ( 8.8 \times 3.75 = 33 \text )
- Total fuel cost in New Jersey: ( 8.8 \times 3.50 = 30.80 \text )
- Total Estimated Fuel Cost: $33 (NH) or $30.80 (NJ)
Summary of Cost Estimates
Here’s a quick recap of the estimated fuel costs for each route:
| Route | Distance | Time | NH Cost (USD) | NJ Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-93 South to I-95 South | 200 miles | 4 hours | $30 | $28 |
| I-93 South to I-84 West | 210 miles | 4 hours 15 mins | $31.50 | $29.40 |
| I-495 South and NJ Turnpike | 220 miles | 4 hours 45 mins | $33 | $30.80 |
Recommended Route
Considering both fuel costs and estimated driving times, the best route for this journey would be Route 1: I-93 South to I-95 South. It is the shortest distance and the least expensive option with the total gas cost averaging around $30 from New Hampshire, which makes it both economical and efficient.
Conclusion
In summary, a road trip from Derry, New Hampshire, to Piscataway Township, New Jersey, offers multiple route options and varying costs. The most economical and time-efficient route involves traveling approximately 200 miles via I-93 South to I-95 South, costing an estimated $30 in fuel. Expect the journey to take about 4 hours under normal traffic conditions. Enjoy your adventure, take breaks along the way, and drive safely!