Driving from OH to VA...which is cheaper?

Question

[N/B - I got some great answers wen I first posted this question, but I realised some of the information I posted wasn't correct and needed to re-post the question for a more accurate answer.]

I live in Kent, OH and drive home to Fairfax, VA most weekends. So far, I've been bypassing the toll roads and taking country highways (a very nice drive), and doing this takes me about 6 1/2 hours - 6 hours 40 mins. However, after filling up (I have a 2007 Honda CR-V) I run out of gas about 20 miles shy of home and need to refill. When I take the toll road (and I've filled up before leaving), it only takes me 5 hours 45 mins - 6 hours, and when I get home I have about 60 miles left in my tank (out of the original 400 or so). The PA tolls would cost me $13. All tolled (enjoy the pun), it's 345 miles driving the toll roads, and 382 miles country roads.

I do prefer the country roads, but what will ultimately be cheaper for a regular commute like this?

Answer 1

Actually, if you run out of gas about 20mi from home taking the country roads, assuming 20mpg, then it costs you 4 gallons of gas, which at 2.60 would be 10.40, thus making the country roads cheaper by exactly 1 gallon of gas.  But in turn they are miles that are harder on your car (not by much I'm sure), and more miles which adds about 1 oil change per year (3848mi extra/yr.), which would essentially eat up any money you're saving.  So, are the country roads worth 50-100hrs a year of your time, the added wear, the extra pollution, etc.?  That's the real question.

Answer 2

It seems cheaper to take toll roads.

You say you have 60 miles of gas left if you go this way. Assuming 20mpg thats 3 gal of gas.

The other route takes those 3 gallons plus a few more. Assuming 3 gallons to finish the trip that is a difference of 6 gallons.

At $ 2.60/gal the means the countru roads cost you $15.60 minus the $13 in tolls or net $2.56 cash...plus time.

BTW it is greener to take the toll road. This is demonstrated by the  higher gas mileage.

Answer 3

Sounds like you have a 700 mile "weekly" commute from your real home to your "weekly" residence in Fairfax, VA plus whatever miles you drive during the 5 days you work in VA before heading back to OH.

Ask your company if you can work from home, that would save wear & tear on your car in addition to monthly rents, tolls, gas and all that stuff.  Telecommuting is still a major rage and all you need is a high speed Internet connection.  Maybe that doesn't answer your question but telecommuting would save you a whole lot of money provided that your job is amenable to that idea.

Answer 4

USE the helliburton express!!!!!

Answer 5

toll roads