The Cost of a Road Trip from Boston to Boothbay Harbor in Today's Gas Prices
Are you planning on taking a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Boothbay Harbor, Maine? Before hitting the road, you might want to know how much you will spend on gas and how long the ride will take. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes, their distances, and prices, and recommend the best option.
The Possible Routes
There are three possible routes from Boston to Boothbay Harbor:
- Route 1
- Route 1A
- Route 295
Route 1
Route 1 is the most scenic of the three, as it follows the coastline of Maine, making it the longest route. This route is 160 miles, will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and is the most convenient if you want to take detours to visit other coastal towns. However, it has some traffic, and the roads can be narrow and winding.
Route 1A
Route 1A is the shortest route, 112 miles, and will take about two hours and 45 minutes. Route 1A is an inland route that does not have the same ocean views as Route 1. However, it has wider and more straightforward roads, which makes it a great option if you want to save money on gas and avoid the winding roads.
Route 295
Route 295 is the longest of the three routes, 182 miles, and will require approximately three hours and 15 minutes of driving time. This route involves taking a significant portion of the Maine Turnpike, which means paying higher tolls. However, it is an easy and efficient route to take, as there is less traffic and fewer winding roads.
The Cost of Gas
To estimate the gas costs of your road trip, you will need your vehicle's fuel efficiency, the price of gas per gallon, and the total distance you will travel. For this article, we will assume a gas price of $3.00 per gallon and a vehicle that has 25 miles per gallon.
For Route 1
- 160 miles ÷ 25 = 6.4 gallons
- 6.4 gal x $3.00 = $19.20
For Route 1A
- 112 miles ÷ 25 = 4.48 gallons
- 4.48 gal x $3.00 = $13.44
For Route 295
- 182 ÷ 25 = 7.28 gallons
- 7.28 gal x $3.00 = $21.84
As we can see, Route 1A is the most gas-efficient, followed by Route 1 and Route 295 being the most expensive.
The Recommendation
While Route 1 is the most scenic, it comes with a cost of both time and money. Route 295 is the most expensive and only shaves off a small amount of time compared to taking Route 1. Therefore, the route we recommend is Route 1A. This route is the most gas-efficient, has straightforward roads, and will save you time and money.
Conclusion
When traveling between Boston and Boothbay Harbor, it is essential to factor in gas costs alongside the distance and time. Understanding the different routes and the costs associated with them can help you maximize your trip's potential and save you money. Ultimately, the best route to take is Route 1A. It is the shortest and most gas-efficient option, which will also save you time and allow you to enjoy your road trip to Boothbay Harbor without breaking the bank. Have a safe trip!