The Cost of Driving from Buffalo, New York to New Brighton, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to New Brighton, Pennsylvania? Whether you're going for a weekend getaway or visiting family and friends, it's important to budget carefully for your expenses. One of the biggest expenses you'll encounter on your trip will be the cost of gas and tolls. So, let's take a look at the different routes you can take and the cost of each.

Route 1: New York State Thruway and Interstate 79

The first and most direct route is to take the New York State Thruway and then switch onto Interstate 79 in Erie, PA. This route spans a total of 175 miles and takes about 3 hours to complete. According to gasbuddy.com, the current average gas price in Buffalo, New York is $3.18 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you'll need 7 gallons of gas to complete this route, costing you $22.26. The total cost of tolls on this route is $23.15, bringing the total cost of this route to $45.41.

Route 2: New York State Thruway and Interstate 80

Another option is to take the New York State Thruway and then switch onto Interstate 80 at exit 161 in Pennsylvania. This route spans a total of 191 miles and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The current average gas price in Buffalo, New York is still $3.18 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you'll need 8 gallons of gas to complete this route, costing you $25.44. The total cost of tolls on this route is $23.80, bringing the total cost of this route to $49.24.

Route 3: New York State Route 5 and Interstate 79

A third option is to take New York State Route 5 straight to Erie, Pennsylvania, and then switch onto Interstate 79. This route spans a total of 203 miles and takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. The current average gas price in Buffalo, New York is still $3.18 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you'll need 8 gallons of gas to complete this route, costing you $25.44. The total cost of tolls on this route is only $6.20, bringing the total cost of this route to $31.64.

Route 4: U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 79

Finally, you could take U.S. Route 20 all the way to Pennsylvania and then switch onto Interstate 79. This route spans a total of 218 miles and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The current average gas price in Buffalo, New York is still $3.18 per gallon. If your car averages 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you'll need 9 gallons of gas to complete this route, costing you $28.62. The total cost of tolls on this route is $2.10, bringing the total cost of this route to $30.72.

So, which route is the cheapest? As you can see, Route 3 is the cheapest with a total cost of $31.64. However, keep in mind that taking the shortest route isn't always the fastest or most convenient. Consider factors like traffic, rest stops, and your own comfort when deciding which route to take. Don't forget to add in additional expenses like food, lodging, and attractions when budgeting for your trip. Safe travels!