Driving Cost from Dublin, Ohio to Avon Lake, Ohio

A picture depicting a gas pump

Navigating the Cost of a Road Trip from Dublin, Ohio to Avon Lake, Ohio: A Gas-Price Perspective

Planning a road trip can be both exciting and daunting, especially when considering the costs involved. This guide will help you understand the various routes from Dublin, Ohio, to Avon Lake, Ohio, while analyzing the gas costs based on current prices.

Overview of the Route

The distance between Dublin and Avon Lake is approximately 130 miles. Depending on factors like traffic, weather, and your chosen route, the drive typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, the route you select can significantly influence your gas expenses.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Ohio hovers around $3.50 per gallon. While this price tends to fluctuate, using this figure helps to calculate the potential cost of your trip based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. For this guide, we will assume three different types of vehicles:

  1. Compact Car - Fuel efficiency: 30 miles per gallon (mpg)
  2. Midsize Sedan - Fuel efficiency: 25 mpg
  3. SUV - Fuel efficiency: 20 mpg

Using these figures, let’s break down the cost for gas based on the three potential routes to take for your road trip.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-270 N to I-71 N

  • Distance: 131 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This route takes you from Dublin via I-270 North towards I-71. You continue north on I-71 until you reach the exit for I-90 West, which leads directly to Avon Lake. This route primarily follows major highways, which typically experience less traffic.

Cost Calculation

  1. Compact Car (30 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 131 miles / 30 mpg = 4.37 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 4.37 gallons x $3.50 = $15.30

  2. Midsize Sedan (25 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 131 miles / 25 mpg = 5.24 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 5.24 gallons x $3.50 = $18.34

  3. SUV (20 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 131 miles / 20 mpg = 6.55 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 6.55 gallons x $3.50 = $22.42

Route 2: US-33 W to I-70

  • Distance: 135 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

This route takes a slightly different approach. You start on US-33 W, which leads you to I-70. You then transition onto I-71 N to I-90 W toward Avon Lake.

Cost Calculation

  1. Compact Car (30 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 135 miles / 30 mpg = 4.50 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 4.50 gallons x $3.50 = $15.75

  2. Midsize Sedan (25 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 135 miles / 25 mpg = 5.40 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 5.40 gallons x $3.50 = $18.90

  3. SUV (20 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 135 miles / 20 mpg = 6.75 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 6.75 gallons x $3.50 = $23.63

Route 3: I-70 to I-76

  • Distance: 138 miles
  • Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

This route takes you initially on I-70 E, then you transition to I-76. While it is a longer distance, it can avoid congested highways occasionally experienced in the first two routes.

Cost Calculation

  1. Compact Car (30 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 138 miles / 30 mpg = 4.60 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 4.60 gallons x $3.50 = $16.10

  2. Midsize Sedan (25 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 138 miles / 25 mpg = 5.52 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 5.52 gallons x $3.50 = $19.32

  3. SUV (20 mpg):

    • Total gallons needed: 138 miles / 20 mpg = 6.90 gallons
    • Cost of gas: 6.90 gallons x $3.50 = $24.15

Route Comparison Summary

Route Distance (miles) Compact Car ($) Midsize Sedan ($) SUV ($)
I-270 N to I-71 N 131 $15.30 $18.34 $22.42
US-33 W to I-70 135 $15.75 $18.90 $23.63
I-70 to I-76 138 $16.10 $19.32 $24.15

Based on distance, driving time, and fuel efficiency, the I-270 N to I-71 N route emerges as the best option. Not only does it minimize the distance, but it also generally offers a more efficient travel time along major highways.

Conclusion

Traveling from Dublin to Avon Lake is a picturesque road trip that can be reasonably economical, particularly if you choose the most efficient route. Driving via I-270 N to I-71 N covers approximately 131 miles and usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The trip can cost around $15.30 in gas for a compact car, making it a budget-friendly option for your next adventure across Ohio. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, pack some snacks, and enjoy the journey!