The Cost of a Trip between Buffalo, NY and Bath, ME: Navigating Gas Prices in 2021

As travel restrictions ease and the world slowly reopens, many people are beginning to plan trips within the United States. Road trips remain a popular option, but the cost of gas can quickly add up. One common East Coast journey is from Buffalo, New York to Bath, Maine. In this article, we will examine the cost of this trip and provide recommendations for the most cost-effective route.

Possible Routes and Their Distances

There are several possible routes from Buffalo, NY to Bath, ME. The most direct route is to take I-90 east to I-495, and then I-95 north to Bath. However, this route may not be the most cost-effective due to the high tolls on I-90 and I-495.

Another option is to take I-90 east to Albany, NY, and then continue on I-87 north to Saratoga Springs, NY. From Saratoga Springs, take Route 4 to Rutland, VT. Then, take Route 7 north to Burlington, VT, and Route 2 east to Bangor, ME. Finally, take I-395 and Route 1A north to Bath. This route has a total distance of approximately 837 miles.

A third option is to take I-90 east to Syracuse, NY, and then continue on Routes 5 and 20 east to Skaneateles, NY. From Skaneateles, take Route 41 north to Homer, NY, and then Route 281 north to Cortland, NY. From Cortland, take Route 13 north to Ithaca, NY, and then Route 96B east to Trumansburg, NY. From Trumansburg, take Route 227 east to Penn Yan, NY, and then Route 14 north to Geneva, NY. From Geneva, take Route 104 east to Oswego, NY, and then Route 3 east to Augusta, ME. Finally, take I-95 south to Bath. This route has a total distance of approximately 808 miles.

Cost Comparison of Routes

To calculate the cost of gas for each route, we will assume that the driver is using a car with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and that gas prices are based on the national average of $3.00 per gallon. We will also take into account toll prices and the length of each route.

For the direct route, I-90 and I-495 have a total toll price of $26.70, and the total distance is approximately 678 miles. This means that the cost of gas (based on the assumptions above) would be approximately $81.60, bringing the total cost to $108.30.

For the second route, there are no tolls, but the total distance is approximately 837 miles. The cost of gas would be approximately $100.40.

For the third route, there are no tolls, and the total distance is approximately 808 miles. The cost of gas would be approximately $96.97.

Based on the cost of gas and tolls, the most cost-effective route would be the third route, which has a total cost of approximately $96.97.

Other Considerations

While cost is an important factor to consider when planning a road trip, there are other considerations to keep in mind. For example, some routes may be more scenic or offer more opportunities for stops along the way.

The direct route from Buffalo, NY to Bath, ME may be the fastest, but it does not offer much in terms of sightseeing or unique experiences. The second route, which goes through Saratoga Springs, VT, and Burlington, VT, offers beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain. This route may be a good option for those who want to break up the drive with scenic stops.

The third route, which goes through several smaller towns in New York and offers views of Lake Ontario, Seneca Lake, and the Finger Lakes, may be a good option for those who want to explore more of the region. This route offers several opportunities for stops at wineries, breweries, and other local attractions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Buffalo, NY and Bath, ME varies depending on the route taken. While the direct route may be the most efficient, it is not the most cost-effective due to the tolls. The third route, which goes through several small towns and offers scenic views, is the most cost-effective and offers the most opportunities for unique experiences. The total cost of the trip (based on the assumptions above) would be approximately $96.97 for gas, and tolls would not be a factor. Regardless of which route is chosen, the journey will take approximately 13.5 to 14 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. With careful planning, this trip can be a fun and affordable adventure.