The Cost of a Trip Between Buffalo, New York and Cleveland, Ohio in Light of Current Gas Prices

If you're thinking about taking a trip from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Ohio, it's important to consider the cost of gas. Gas prices fluctuate frequently, so it's important to stay up to date on the current prices. In this article, we'll give you an idea of how much it might cost to make the trip based on current gas prices, and we'll discuss the different routes you can take, the cost, and the distance of each one.

Different Routes to Consider

There are three main routes you could take from Buffalo to Cleveland.

Route 1: I-90 W and I-71 S

This route takes you on I-90 W towards Cleveland. You'll continue onto I-71 S until you reach your destination. The distance of this route is approximately 189 miles, and it takes around 3 hours to complete.

Route 2: I-90 W and OH-2 W

Route two is a little longer than route one, and slightly less direct. You'll start on I-90 W to Cleveland and continue onto OH-2 W. This route is approximately 223 miles and also takes around 3 hours to complete.

Route 3: NY-5 W and US-20 W

Route three is the longest of the three routes available, but it gives you the best chance to see some scenic rural areas. This route doesn't take you on any interstates, but it takes you on highways, so you'll have to drive more cautiously. You'll begin on NY-5 W, and then continue straight on US-20 W. This route is approximately 286 miles long, and it takes about 5 hours.

The Cost of Each Route

We used the website GasBuddy to get updated gas prices for both states. As of May 2021, the average gas price in Ohio is $2.91 per gallon, and in New York, it's $3.05 per gallon.

We estimated the gas mileage of different cars and the cost to travel the route based on the 2021 Honda Civic model. According to honda.com, the 2021 Honda Civic has a combined fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon. This calculation was based on the assumption that the car should be driven in a moderate fashion. The total expected cost of a round trip is the sum of the prices for going from Buffalo to Cleveland and returning.

Route 1: I-90 W and I-71 S

If you're driving a Honda Civic on this route, you'll use approximately 5.7 gallons each way. That means you'll use a total of 11.4 gallons for the round trip. With an average price of $3.05 per gallon in New York, you'll pay approximately $34.77 for gas. When you get to Ohio, the average price of gas is $2.91 per gallon, so you'll pay about $33.27 for your trip back to Buffalo.

Route 2: I-90 W and OH-2 W

If you decide to take route two, you'll use more gas on the trip than on route one. If you're driving a Honda Civic, you'll use approximately 6.7 gallons each way on this route, giving you a total of 13.4 gallons for the round trip. At an average price of $3.05 per gallon in New York, you'll pay approximately $40.92 for gasoline. The average gas price in Ohio is $2.91 per gallon, so you'll pay around $39.01 for your trip back to Buffalo.

Route 3: NY-5 W and US-20 W

If you're going to take this route, expect to use the most gas. If you're driving a Honda Civic, you'll use 8.7 gallons on the way to Cleveland, and another 8.7 gallons coming back to Buffalo. Therefore, the total cost of gas for this trip will be approximately $52.52 due to its longer distance, assuming an average price of $3.05 per gallon in New York, and approximately $50.59 for the return trip, assuming an average price of $2.91 per gallon in Ohio.

Our Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance of each route, the most cost-effective and shortest route is Route 1. It goes directly to Cleveland and is significantly shorter than route two and route three. For those who have a lot of time and want to explore the scenic views, Route 3 is a good option. However, it isn't very cost-effective. Route two is excellent for those who want to see a different side of New York and Ohio, but it is a little indirect, and the driving time is equal to Route one.

Conclusion

When planning a trip from Buffalo, New York to Cleveland, Ohio, it's essential to consider gas prices and the different routes to get there. Based on current gas prices and mileage considerations, route one offers the most cost-effective and shortest route. You can get to Cleveland in around three hours using this route. Drive safely and enjoy your trip.