Driving Cost from Buffalo, New York to Hamden, Connecticut

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip between Buffalo, New York and Hamden, Connecticut

If you’re planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Hamden, Connecticut, one thing you need to consider is the cost of the trip. Gas prices can vary, and the distance between Buffalo and Hamden means that you’ll need to budget for gas, food, and other expenses. In this article, we’ll take a look at the cost of a road trip between Buffalo and Hamden, as well as the different routes you can take.

Possible Routes

There are several different routes you can take between Buffalo and Hamden. The two most popular routes are via I-90 East and I-86 East, or via I-90 East and I-91 South. Let's discuss both routes in detail.

Via I-90 East and I-86 East

The first and probably the quickest route you can take is to follow I-90 East from Buffalo and then take I-86 East. According to Google Maps, this route is 364 miles long and will take approximately 5 hours and 54 minutes to drive.

The route takes you through some cities and towns in New York, such as Batavia, Corning, and Elmira. You'll also get to enjoy the scenic views of the Finger Lakes region.

Via I-90 East and I-91 South

The second route you can take is to follow I-90 East from Buffalo and then take I-91 South. This route is slightly longer than the first route, at 384 miles, but only takes an extra 25 minutes to drive.

Along the way, you'll pass through several towns and cities in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. You'll get to see some great scenery and visit attractions such as the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of a road trip between Buffalo and Hamden will depend on various factors such as:

  • The fuel efficiency of your vehicle
  • Gas prices along the route
  • Toll roads
  • Food and beverage expenses
  • Attractions and other activities

Fuel Efficiency

One of the most significant factors that will determine the cost of your road trip is the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and the distance between Buffalo and Hamden is 364 miles, then you'll need approximately 14.5 gallons of gas to make the trip.

Assuming the current national average gas price of $2.355 per gallon, you'll need to budget around $34 to fill your vehicle's tank from empty to full. Keep in mind that the fuel efficiency of your vehicle can vary, so make sure to calculate your fuel cost based on your vehicle's actual MPG.

Gas Prices Along the Route

Gas prices can vary significantly from state to state and even within the same state. When you're planning your road trip, make sure to check the gas prices along the route. You can use websites such as GasBuddy or GasPrices to find the cheapest gas prices along your route.

To give you an idea of the current gas prices along the popular routes from Buffalo to Hamden:

  • The average gas price in Buffalo, New York, is approximately $2.31 per gallon.
  • The average gas price in Corning, New York, is approximately $2.42 per gallon.
  • The average gas price in Springfield, Massachusetts, is approximately $2.28 per gallon.
  • The average gas price in Hamden, Connecticut, is approximately $2.32 per gallon.

Toll Roads

Another factor to consider when budgeting for your road trip is toll roads. You'll pass through several tolls on both routes from Buffalo to Hamden.

For the route via I-90 East and I-86 East, you'll pass through several tolls, including:

  • The Pennsylvania Turnpike, which will cost you approximately $28.70 for a vehicle with two axles and up to three riders.
  • The New York State Thruway, which will cost you approximately $19.90 for a vehicle with two axles and up to three riders.

For the route via I-90 East and I-91 South, you'll pass through several tolls, including:

  • The Massachusetts Turnpike, which will cost you approximately $13.90 for a vehicle with two axles and up to three riders.
  • The New York State Thruway, which will cost you approximately $19.90 for a vehicle with two axles and up to three riders.

Food and Beverage Expenses

When you're planning your road trip, don't forget to factor in food and beverage expenses. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may need to purchase meals or snacks along the way.

To save money on food expenses, consider packing your food and beverages before leaving home. You can bring sandwiches, fruits, and snacks that won't spoil during the trip.

Attractions and Other Activities

The final factor you should consider when budgeting for your road trip is the attractions and activities you want to visit along the way. There are several attractions and scenic views that you'll pass by on both routes.

If you're on a tight budget, consider skipping the paid attractions and focus on the free attractions such as scenic views, parks or playgrounds, or hiking trails instead.

Conclusion

After considering all the factors discussed above, the total cost of a road trip from Buffalo, New York, to Hamden, Connecticut, via I-90 East and I-86 East will cost you approximately $114.60 for gas, $28.70 for Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls, and $19.90 for New York State Thruway tolls. This brings the total cost to approximately $163.20.

Alternatively, if you choose to take I-90 East and I-91 South, the total cost will be approximately $120.10 for gas, $13.90 for Massachusetts Turnpike tolls, and $19.90 for New York State Thruway tolls. This brings the total cost to approximately $153.90.

Ultimately, the decision on which route to take depends on your preference and budget. While the first route via I-90 East and I-86 East is shorter, the second route via I-90 East and I-91 South offers more attractions and scenic views. Whichever route you choose, make sure to plan ahead and budget for all the expenses to have an enjoyable road trip.