What's the Cost of a Trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Newport, Rhode Island?

If you're planning a trip from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost. There are several different routes you can take, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we'll look at the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Route 1: Taking the Highway

The first route you might consider is taking the highway. From Boston, you would take I-93 south, which merges onto I-95 south. You would continue on I-95 south until you reach Newport. The total distance for this route is approximately 74 miles and could take about an hour and a half, depending on traffic.

To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we need to consider the current gas prices. As of September 2021, the average cost of gas in Massachusetts is around $3.07 per gallon, and in Rhode Island, the average cost is around $3.09 per gallon. If your car gets around 25 miles per gallon and you round up to 80 miles (to account for any side trips), you would need about 3.2 gallons of gas for this trip. This means the cost of gas would be around $9.82.

If you're taking this route with a rental car, you would need to also consider the cost of the rental and any additional fees, such as an airport pickup fee or drop-off fee. However, this is also the fastest route and the most direct, making it the easiest for people who are not familiar with the area.

Route 2: Taking the Scenic Route

If you have more time and you want to see some of the sights along the way, you might want to consider taking the scenic route. From Boston, you would take Route 1A south, which runs along the coast. You would continue on Route 1A south until you reach Newport. The total distance for this route is approximately 88 miles and could take around 2 hours, depending on traffic.

One of the benefits of taking this route is the views. You'll see the ocean, beaches, and small New England towns along the way. You might also want to stop at some of the places along the route, like Plymouth Rock or the Newport mansions. However, you would also need to factor in the cost of tolls if you take this route. At the end of the route, you'll hit the Newport Bridge, which requires a toll fee of $4.00.

If you're taking this route with a rental car, you need to factor in the cost of the rental and the additional toll fees. This route could take longer, but you might end up with a more memorable experience.

Route 3: Taking Public Transportation

If you don't have a car or you prefer not to drive, you could consider taking public transportation. The best option would be taking the train from Boston to Providence, RI, then taking a bus from Providence to Newport. The train ride would take around 45 minutes, and the bus ride would take around 50 minutes. However, keep in mind that the schedules for both the train and the bus may vary and could affect your overall travel time.

The cost for this trip would also be different. Currently, the cost of a one-way ticket for the train from Boston to Providence ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the time and day of travel. The cost of a one-way ticket for the bus from Providence to Newport ranges from $5 to $17, depending on the provider you choose. The total cost for this trip would be around $15 to $47, depending on the train and bus fares.

This option might be more cost-effective for individuals or small groups, but it could require more planning and coordination. You'll also need to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the train and bus stations.

The Best Route

So, which route is the best one for your needs? It depends on several factors, such as how much you're willing to spend, how much time you have, and whether you prefer driving or taking public transportation.

If you want to save time and you don't mind paying more for gas, the highway route would be the best option. If you want to have a more scenic experience and you're willing to spend a little extra time and money on tolls, the scenic route would be a better choice. If you don't have a car and you're looking for a budget-friendly option, public transportation would be the best bet.

No matter which route you take, you'll be able to reach your destination in Newport, Rhode Island, and enjoy all the things the city has to offer, from historical sites to beaches and delicious seafood.

Conclusion

If you're planning a trip from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, you have several options for getting there. The cost of your trip will depend on the route you choose, whether you're driving or taking public transportation, and the current gas prices and toll fees.

After assessing the different options, you might choose the best route based on your individual needs, considering factors such as your budget, time constraints, transportation preferences, and sightseeing goals. No matter which route you take, the total cost for a round-trip journey could vary between $20 and $50 per person.

All things considered, taking a day trip from Boston to Newport is a perfect way to enjoy a New England experience without breaking the bank. Just be sure to take the route that suits your needs and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as you make your journey.