The Cost of a Trip from Brookline, Massachusetts to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Looking for ways to travel between Brookline, Massachusetts, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? If you're planning a trip, you might be wondering how much it will cost you to drive, fly or take public transportation. In this article, we'll give you a rundown of the different ways to travel and what you can expect to pay.

Driving

Driving from Brookline to Pittsburgh is a popular option since it provides you with the flexibility to stop whenever you need to. However, it's important to factor in the cost of gas and other expenses.

Route 1: I-90 W and I-80 W

If you choose to drive from Brookline to Pittsburgh, your route will likely take you via I-90 W and I-80 W. The distance between the two cities is around 550 miles, and it takes approximately nine hours to get there.

Gas prices in Massachusetts (as of August 2021) are around $3.01 per gallon, while prices in Pennsylvania are around $3.18 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you would need to spend around $66 on gas for a one-way journey.

You also need to factor in tolls, which can vary depending on the route you take. For example, taking the Massachusetts Turnpike will cost you around $10, while the Pennsylvania Turnpike will cost you around $50.

Route 2: I-84 W and I-80 W

Another route you can take to get from Brookline, Massachusetts, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is via I-84 W and I-80 W. While this will add some distance to your journey (around 70 miles), it may be faster and more scenic than the other routes.

Assuming the same gas mileage and gas prices listed above, driving this route will cost you approximately $81 in gas. You'll also need to factor in tolls, which can add another $20-$30 to your total cost.

Flying

If you're not keen on spending nine hours or more on the road, flying is another option. From Logan International Airport in Boston, there are daily direct flights to Pittsburgh International Airport via airlines like Delta, American, and United.

Cost of Flights

Flights between Boston and Pittsburgh have an average cost of around $200-$300 one way, although prices can be higher or lower depending on the airline, the time of year, and how much in advance you book your ticket.

Additional costs

Remember to consider additional costs like transportation to and from the airport, parking fees (if you decide to park at the airport), and baggage fees. If you plan to rent a car in Pittsburgh, you'll also need to factor in those costs.

Public Transportation

If you want to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, public transportation may be the way to go.

Bus

Greyhound buses provide daily transportation between Boston and Pittsburgh, with a one-way ticket costing around $80. The trip takes approximately 19-20 hours, with stops in several cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C.

Train

Another option is to take Amtrak from Boston to Pittsburgh. The train ride takes approximately 18 hours, with one overnight stop in Chicago. Prices vary depending on the type of seat or cabin you choose, but expect to pay around $160-$300 one way.

Conclusion

So what's the best way to travel between Brookline, Massachusetts and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? It really depends on your budget and your priorities.

If you have a flexible schedule, driving may be the most cost-effective option, giving you the opportunity to stop and explore along the way. However, if time is of the essence, flying or taking a train might be your best bet.

In any case, make sure you factor in all associated costs, like gas, tolls, flights, baggage fees, and parking fees, so you can budget accordingly. And before you know it, you'll be in the Steel City!