The Cost of a Trip Between Buffalo and Utica Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling between Buffalo and Utica, both cities in New York State, can be a great adventure. The distance between these two cities is around 190 miles, with multiple roads available for travel. One of the most important aspects of planning a trip is determining the cost of travel. This article will provide information on the cost of a trip between Buffalo and Utica based on current gas prices.
Different Routes
There are different routes available for traveling between Buffalo and Utica. Each route has different costs, distances, and travel times. Some of the common routes are:
- New York State Thruway (I-90) - This is the quickest path between Buffalo and Utica, with a distance of around 160 miles. The Thruway has some toll booths that range from $5.10 to $24.20 for cars and small trucks. However, the heavy vehicles need to consider the higher tolls.
- Route 20 - This route is a scenic drive and offers a great view of natural scenery. The distance between Buffalo and Utica via Route 20 is around 210 miles, which could be a bit longer. Route 20 also has no tolls, allowing you to save some money on toll money.
- Route 5 - This is the longest route between Buffalo and Utica. The distance via Route 5 is around 250 miles but offers a chance to visit cities like Syracuse and Rochester, which could be a great adventure.
Cost of Travel
The cost of travel between Buffalo and Utica is a significant factor in determining the route to choose. The cost of travel could significantly vary based on the chosen path and type of vehicle used for the trip. However, driving alone with a car is the primary method to project the cost of travel. The following diagram shows average fuel consumption of different vehicles depending on fuel prices.
| Vehicle | Fuel Economy | Gallons/100 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Compact car | 30 mpg | 3.33 gallons |
| Large car/SUV | 23 mpg | 4.35 gallons |
| Pickup Truck | 16 mpg | 6.25 gallons |
| RV | 10 mpg | 10 gallons |
Therefore, if the car's gas mileage is 30 miles per gallon, the fuel consumption equals 3.33 gallons per 100 miles. For instance, if gas prices are $3/gallon, the cost of gas is $9.99 per 100 miles, which translates to around $19 per trip using the quickest route, the New York State Thruway (I-90).
For heavy vehicles like a truck or RV, the cost of travel could be a bit higher since it needs more fuel than cars and SUVs. The cost per 100 miles could be:
- Large car/SUV - $28.05 per trip
- Pickup Truck - $39.06 per trip
- RV - $62.50 per trip
Best Route
Based on the discussed factors, the best route for traveling between Buffalo and Utica is the quickest one, the New York State Thruway. Even though the route has some toll booths, the route has the shortest distance, around 160 miles. The Thruway has some service areas that offer restrooms, food, and gas stations. Using the service areas could help reduce the cost of gas for the entire trip.
In case you are on a trip and want to enjoy the scenery, Route 20 could be an excellent choice. The route is around 210 miles, which is longer than the Thruway but has no tolls. The route offers a chance to drive through small towns and view the natural scenery, which is not possible with the Thruway.
Route 5 is an excellent choice if you want to visit other cities along the way. The route is around 250 miles, which is a bit longer, but you can access cities like Rochester and Syracuse. The route also offers a chance to view the natural scenery, highways, and rural areas that make New York State unique.
Conclusion
Traveling between Buffalo and Utica is a great adventure, and the cost of travel is a critical factor for planning the trip. Determining the best route and the cost can make the entire trip better. The New York State Thruway (I-90) is the best route due to its shorter distance, allowing you to save on the cost of gas and time. However, if you want to enjoy the scenery or visit other cities, Route 20 or 5 could be great options, respectively. Overall, the trip could take several hours, depending on traffic, and it is essential to have a plan beforehand to ensure a stress-free and successful trip.