The Cost of a Road Trip from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland and Labrador
Are you planning a road trip from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland and Labrador? The total distance between these two locations is approximately 1,340 miles, which can be covered in a car or a smaller SUV. The cost of such a trip can vary depending on a few factors such as fuel prices, road tolls, and accommodation. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and the distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on the cost.
The Possible Routes
There are two possible routes one can take from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland and Labrador - the coastal route or the inland route. The coastal route takes you through beautiful coastal towns along the eastern seaboard, while the inland route will take you through the Appalachian Mountains.
The Coastal Route
One of the popular coastal routes from Maine to Newfoundland is the Maine to Nova Scotia to Newfoundland route. This route is approximately 1,307 miles long and takes around 26 hours of driving time. The route starts by taking the US Route 1 from Brunswick, which leads to Maine's Route 3 to Bar Harbor. From Bar Harbor, you can take the ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The ferry journey will take around 5–6 hours, covering around 103 miles. From Yarmouth, you can take the Trans-Canada Highway to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. From there, you can take another ferry to Newfoundland's Port aux Basques, which can take up to 7 hours for the 283-mile journey.
If you decide to take the coastal route, you will be driving through picturesque towns and coastal scenery. This route can be a beautiful experience for those who enjoy photography and sightseeing. The main downside of this route is the cost. The ferry fares can add up to the expenses, making the coastal route more expensive than the inland route.
The Inland Route
The inland route from Maine to Newfoundland is approximately 1,482 miles long, and it takes around 26 hours of driving time. This route goes through the Appalachian Mountains, which is a stunning sight to see. The route starts by taking the I-95 North from Brunswick, Maine to Houlton, Maine. From Houlton, you can take the Trans-Canada Highway to Newfoundland. This route is longer than the coastal route, but it can be cheaper as there are no ferry fees to consider.
The Cost of the Trip
The cost of taking a road trip from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland, and Labrador will depend mainly on the fuel costs and accommodation. Below are some estimates of the total cost for both routes.
The Coastal Route
The coastal route from Maine to Newfoundland can be an expensive road trip due to the ferry fares. Here is an estimated cost for a couple driving in a mid-sized car based on current gas prices.
- Fuel cost (based on current gas prices of $2.80 per gallon): approximately $138
- Ferry cost from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth: $333
- Ferry cost from North Sydney to Port aux Basques: $150
- Accommodation for a week: $800
- Food and drinks: $400
- Total cost (excluding attraction fees): $1,821
The Inland Route
The inland route from Maine to Newfoundland is a longer drive, but it can be cheaper than the coastal route. Here is an estimated cost for a couple driving in a mid-sized car based on current gas prices.
- Fuel cost (based on current gas prices of $2.80 per gallon): approximately $166
- Accommodation for a week: $800
- Food and drinks: $400
- Total cost (excluding attraction fees): $1,366
Recommended Route
If you are on a tight budget, the inland route is the best route to take. Not only is it cheaper, but it also goes through the Appalachian Mountains, which is an experience to remember. However, if you don't mind spending extra cash on ferry fares and enjoy scenic coastal routes, the coastal route is a great option. It's a perfect way to explore the beautiful coastal towns and magnificent coastline.
Conclusion
A road trip from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland, and Labrador can be an exciting adventure. However, before embarking on such a trip, it's essential to consider the different possible routes and their associated costs. The inland route is the cheaper option, while the coastal route is more expensive but allows for a beautiful coastal experience. Ultimately, cost and personal preferences can determine which route to take.