Gas Prices Drop Before Labor Day: So Where's the Cheapest Gas Near DC?

Click here for a full-screen view of the gas price map. If you don't see a map of our local area, click the magnifying glass in the upper right to enter your address.

Nationwide, gas prices have been dropping as we get close to Labor Day. The map above, courtesy of Mapquest, can help you find the cheapest one near your home, or along whatever route you're driving this weekend.

If you're leaving from Georgetown and headed to a destination by way of Virginia, it looks like your best option is the Sunoco at 1830 Fort Meyer Dr. in Arlington. It's just over they Key Bridge and has easy access to get on I-395 or I-66 and according to data from Thursday afternoon it will run you a full 40 cents less per gallon than the Exxon next to the Car Barn. 

Headed somewhere by way of Maryland? Cutting through the city to get to New York Avenue and Highway 50, you might want to stop at the W Express at 1800 18TH St., while no steal at $3.66 a gallon, it's still considerably less than the stations in Georgetown that hover at or above $4 a gallon.

And remember: In addition to scouting our cheap options, you might be able to control how much gas your car burns. AAA offered these tips:

• Properly inflate your tires
• Avoid flooring the accelerator and slamming on the brakes
• Drive the speed limit
• Keep up-to-date on routine vehicle maintenance