The Costs of Traveling from Dover to Matawan: A Current Gas Price Analysis

Planning a road trip can be both exciting and challenging, particularly when you consider the costs involved. If you’re looking to travel from Dover, New Jersey, to Matawan, New Jersey, understanding the gas expenses and route options is essential. This guide outlines different routes, their distances, estimated costs based on current gas prices, and recommends the best approach for your journey.

Current Gas Prices in New Jersey

As of October 2023, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in New Jersey is approximately $3.50 per gallon. This average can vary based on location and market fluctuations, so always check current prices before you embark on your journey.

Route Options

When traveling from Dover to Matawan, you have a few route options to consider:

Route via I-80 E and Garden State Parkway
Route via NJ-10 E and Route 9
Route via I-287 S

Let’s break down each option, including the distances and estimated fuel costs.

1. Route via I-80 E and Garden State Parkway

Distance: Approximately 47 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

To travel via I-80 E and Garden State Parkway (GSP), you will begin your journey on I-80 E, connecting to GSP at exit 145. This scenic route offers a smooth drive with fewer traffic signals, making it ideal for a relatively uninterrupted trip.

Fuel Calculation:

Average fuel economy: 25 miles per gallon (MPG)
Total gallons needed: 47 miles / 25 MPG = 1.88 gallons
Total fuel cost: 1.88 gallons * $3.50 = $6.58

2. Route via NJ-10 E and Route 9

Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour

This route takes you south on NJ-10 E, transitioning to Route 9. Though shorter in distance, this route has more traffic and fewer highway speeds, typically resulting in a longer travel time despite the lesser mileage.

Fuel Calculation:

Average fuel economy: 25 MPG
Total gallons needed: 40 miles / 25 MPG = 1.6 gallons
Total fuel cost: 1.6 gallons * $3.50 = $5.60

3. Route via I-287 S

Distance: Approximately 50 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes

Traveling via I-287 S offers another option to reach Matawan. Starting on I-80 E and merging onto I-287 S could prove advantageous if you encounter heavy traffic on the GSP. This route is a bit longer but could provide efficiency depending on the traffic conditions.

Fuel Calculation:

Average fuel economy: 25 MPG
Total gallons needed: 50 miles / 25 MPG = 2 gallons
Total fuel cost: 2 gallons * $3.50 = $7.00

Comparing the Routes

Here is a summarized comparison of the three routes:

Route	Distance (miles)	Time (hours)	Fuel Cost ($)
I-80 E and Garden State Pkwy	47	1.25	6.58
NJ-10 E and Route 9	40	1.00	5.60
I-287 S	50	1.17	7.00

The NJ-10 E and Route 9 option emerges as the most cost-effective route due to its shorter distance and lower fuel cost.

Recommendation: Best Route

Given the considerations of distance, time, and cost, the NJ-10 E and Route 9 route is the best option for your trip from Dover to Matawan. This route balances distance and travel time effectively while minimizing your fuel costs. Additionally, despite its lower mileage, it may save time due to fewer high-traffic zones that often occur along the Garden State Parkway.

Travel Tips

Check Traffic Conditions: Always consult traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps before starting your trip to avoid potential delays.
Plan for Breaks: The trip may require a break for food or fuel. Consider planning stops if traveling with family or friends.
Vehicle Efficiency: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition prior to the trip, as maintenance can affect fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Traveling from Dover to Matawan offers several routes, but the journey via NJ-10 E and Route 9 is the most cost-efficient and timely option based on distances and current gas prices. The trip takes roughly one hour and will cost around $5.60 in fuel. Whether you are visiting family, friends, or a local business, this scenic drive can be both enjoyable and economical. Safe travels!