The Cost of a Trip between Buffalo, New York and Ludington, Michigan: A Guide

If you're planning a trip between Buffalo, New York and Ludington, Michigan, you're in for a treat. This journey takes you from one side of the Great Lakes to the other, and the scenery along the way is well worth the trip. However, like any road trip, the cost of this adventure is something you should consider. In this article, we'll break down the cost of the trip, including gas prices, different route options, and our top recommendation.

Gas Prices

Before we look at the different route options, let's talk about gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the current average price of regular gas in Buffalo, New York, is $2.90 per gallon. In Ludington, Michigan, the current average price of regular gas is $2.80 per gallon. Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate, so make sure to check before you hit the road.

Now that we've got gas prices out of the way, let's dive into the different route options.

Route Options

Route 1: I-90W and US-31N (899 miles)

The first route option takes you on a journey through the heart of the Rust Belt, following I-90 West and US-31 North. This journey takes about 14 hours and covers 899 miles. Along the way, you'll pass through cities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Grand Rapids.

To calculate the cost of this trip, we need to know the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Let's assume you're driving a mid-size car that gets an average of 28 miles per gallon on the highway. This means you'll use approximately 32 gallons of gas on this journey. At the average gas prices we mentioned earlier, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $93.

Route 2: I-90W, I-80W, and US-31N (981 miles)

The second route option adds an extra 82 miles to your journey, but it could save you some time. Following this route takes approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes, and covers 981 miles. Instead of following I-90 West all the way, you'll switch to I-80 West in Ohio and follow that until you reach US-31 North in Indiana.

Using the same fuel efficiency calculation as before, you'll use approximately 35 gallons of gas on this journey. At the current gas prices we mentioned earlier, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $98.

Route 3: I-86W, I-90W, and US-31N (1,042 miles)

The final route option takes you on a slightly different path, following I-86 West through New York State before hopping on I-90 West and then US-31 North. This journey takes approximately 16 hours and 30 minutes and covers 1,042 miles.

Using the same fuel efficiency calculation as before, you'll use approximately 37 gallons of gas on this journey. At the current gas prices we mentioned earlier, the cost of gas for this trip would be approximately $107.

Our Top Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance of each route option, our top recommendation is Route 1: I-90W and US-31N. This route is the most direct and has the lowest estimated cost of gas for the trip. Plus, passing through cities like Cleveland, Toledo, and Grand Rapids provides ample opportunities for rest stops, food breaks, and sightseeing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Buffalo, New York, and Ludington, Michigan, depends on your chosen route and the current gas prices. Our top recommendation is Route 1: I-90W and US-31N, with an estimated gas cost of $93. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to check for traffic updates and rest up before hitting the road. Safe travels!