The Cost of a Road Trip between Buffalo, New York and South Burlington, Vermont
A road trip can be a great way to explore new places, spend time with friends or family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you're planning a road trip between Buffalo, New York and South Burlington, Vermont, you'll want to know how much it will cost. In this article, we will break down the cost of a trip between these two cities based on current gas prices, different possible routes, and our recommendation for the best route.
Gas prices and average fuel economy
Gas prices are one of the biggest factors in the cost of a road trip, so it's important to know how much you'll be spending on fuel. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in New York is $3.05 per gallon, and in Vermont, it is $2.91 per gallon. The exact price you will pay for gas will depend on the type of vehicle you're driving, the fuel efficiency of that vehicle, and the route you choose.
To estimate your fuel costs, you will need to know the total mileage of your trip. The distance between Buffalo and South Burlington is approximately 355 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
If your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (MPG), you will need around 14 gallons of gas for the round trip, which would cost about $42 in New York and $40.74 in Vermont. However, if you have a less fuel-efficient vehicle that gets 20 MPG or less, you could end up spending significantly more on gas.
Possible routes and costs
- Route 1: Via I-90 E and I-87 N
Total Distance: 355 miles
Total Driving Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Gas Cost (New York prices): $42
Total Gas Cost (Vermont prices): $40.74
This is the most direct route between Buffalo and South Burlington. It starts with I-90 E, which runs through Albany, and then takes I-87 N, which takes you right into South Burlington. Gas prices are relatively consistent along this route, so the cost of gas will be similar regardless of where you fill up.
- Route 2: Via I-90 E and US-4 N
Total Distance: 344 miles
Total Driving Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
Total Gas Cost (New York prices): $41.20
Total Gas Cost (Vermont prices): $39.84
This route starts with I-90 E and then takes US-4 N from Whitehall to Rutland. It then takes VT-116 N to Shelburne and South Burlington. Gas prices will vary along this route, but for the most part, prices will be lower outside of major cities.
- Route 3: Via NY-9N N and VT-22A N
Total Distance: 374 miles
Total Driving Time: 7 hours
Total Gas Cost (New York prices): $44.50
Total Gas Cost (Vermont prices): $43.16
This route takes NY-9N N and US-4 N to Whitehall, where it goes onto VT-22A N to Vergennes and then takes VT-7 N to Shelburne and South Burlington. Gas prices along this route will be lower, but the additional distance will increase your overall cost.
- Route 4: Via NY-104 E and US-7 N
Total Distance: 382 miles
Total Driving Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Total Gas Cost (New York prices): $45.90
Total Gas Cost (Vermont prices): $44.56
This route takes NY-104 E to Oswego, where it goes onto I-81 N. It then takes exit 36 to go onto US-11 N, which it takes to St. Albans. It then takes VT-104 E to I-89 N and finally takes exit 13 to Shelburne and South Burlington. This route will take longer and have higher costs than the other routes.
Our recommended route
Based on the above routes, we recommend Route 1, which is the most direct and straightforward. It has the lowest cost in gas and the shortest driving time, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Additionally, there is less room for error or the need for additional stops, unlike some of the other routes.
Regardless of which route you choose, make sure you check the current traffic conditions and any construction or detours that may impact your trip.
Conclusion
A road trip between Buffalo, New York, and South Burlington, Vermont, can be an exciting opportunity, but it's important to factor in the cost of gas and the route you plan to take. Based on current gas prices and estimated distances, Route 1 is the most economical and efficient choice. With proper planning and the right approach, you can have a successful trip and see all the sights along the way. Safe travels!