The Cost of Your Road Trip to Detroit, Michigan: Gas Prices and Route Options

Are you planning a road trip from Baltimore, Maryland to Detroit, Michigan? If so, you're probably wondering how much it'll cost you to get there. Lucky for you, we've got your back! We'll break down the costs of different routes and give you all the information you need to budget for your trip.

Route Option 1: The Direct Route

The direct route from Baltimore to Detroit is approximately 570 miles and takes around 9 hours to drive. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Maryland is $2.85 per gallon. At that price, you'll need around 17 gallons of gas, which will cost you about $48.45 one way. Keep in mind that this estimate assumes your vehicle gets at least 33 miles per gallon, which is the average fuel economy for a small car like a Honda Civic. If you're driving an SUV or truck, your gas costs will be higher.

In addition to gas expenses, you'll also need to budget for tolls along the way. The direct route takes you through Pennsylvania, where you'll have to pay a total of $27.90 in toll fees for your vehicle. That brings the total cost of this route to around $76.35

Route Option 2: The Scenic Route

Another option for getting to Detroit is taking the scenic route. This route takes you through West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana, which adds about 50 miles to your drive and takes approximately 10 hours with rest stops and breaks. Gas prices are slightly lower in Ohio, with an average price of $2.80 per gallon. You'll need approximately 18 gallons of gas for this route, which will cost you around $50.40 one way.

As for tolls, you'll only have to pay $8.30 in West Virginia and Indiana. That brings the total cost of this route to around $58.70.

Route Option 3: The Middle Ground Route

The middle ground route is a mix of direct and scenic routes. This option takes you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. It's approximately 620 miles and takes around 10 hours to drive. You'll need approximately 19 gallons of gas, costing you around $54.15 one way. Pennsylvania has a high toll rate, charging $22.90 for your vehicle. Ohio and Indiana charge $4.10 and $1 for tolls, respectively. That brings the total cost of this route to around $82.15.

Conclusion

When planning your trip, keep these costs in mind. Depending on your budget and preference for time or scenery, you have several route options to choose from. Safe travels!