The Cost of a Road Trip from Burlington to Hopkinton, Massachusetts
As the weather gets warmer, many people are looking to take road trips to enjoy the scenery and explore new places. One popular route is from Burlington, Massachusetts to Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The two cities are only about 40 miles apart, but the cost of the trip can vary depending on the route and mode of transportation. In this article, we will break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices and explore the different routes to recommend the best one.
Route Options
There are several routes that you can take from Burlington to Hopkinton. The most common options include:
Route 1: I-95 S and I-90 W
This is the most direct route, taking you down I-95 S and then onto I-90 W. The distance between the two cities is 42.7 miles, and the estimated time of travel is around 45 minutes. However, this route usually involves tolls, which can add to the cost of your trip.
Route 2: MA-2 W and I-495 S
This route takes you through scenic areas and covers a distance of 57.6 miles. It involves using MA-2 W and I-495 S and might take slightly longer than the first route. However, this route is generally considered to be toll-free.
Route 3: MA-9 W and MA-135 W
If you're looking for a more scenic route, this might be the option for you. The MA-9 W and MA-135 W route takes you through several towns, such as Framingham, and past many scenic views. It's a distance of around 30 miles, with an estimated time of travel of about 35-40 minutes.
Cost of the Trip
Once you have decided on the route to take from Burlington to Hopkinton, the next thing to consider is the cost of the trip. The cost can vary depending on several factors, including the mode of transportation, gas prices, and tolls.
Gas Prices
As of May 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is around $3.00 per gallon. According to AAA, the average gas mileage for a mid-size car is 25 miles per gallon. Using this information, we can calculate the estimated cost of a one-way trip based on the above routes.
Route 1: I-95 S and I-90 W
With an estimated distance of 42.7 miles, a car with 25 miles per gallon would need 1.71 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. At $3.00 per gallon, the cost of gas alone would be around $5.13.
Route 2: MA-2 W and I-495 S
With an estimated distance of 57.6 miles, a car with 25 miles per gallon would need 2.30 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. At $3.00 per gallon, the cost of gas alone would be around $6.90.
Route 3: MA-9 W and MA-135 W
With an estimated distance of 30 miles, a car with 25 miles per gallon would need 1.20 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. At $3.00 per gallon, the cost of gas alone would be around $3.60.
Tolls
If you decide to take Route 1: I-95 S and I-90 W, you will cross through several tolls, which will increase the cost of your trip. The cost of tolls varies depending on the time of day and vehicle type. As of May 2021, the following are the estimated tolls:
- Weston Toll Plaza: $1.30
- Ted Williams Tunnel: $2.70
- Sumner Tunnel: $1.90
If you take Route 2: MA-2 W and I-495 S or Route 3: MA-9 W and MA-135 W, you can avoid tolls altogether.
Recommendation
Based on the cost and distance of each route, the MA-9 W and MA-135 W route is the recommended option. Not only is it the shortest distance, but it does not involve tolls and is more scenic, making it a more enjoyable drive. Although taking this route might take a few extra minutes in travel time, the savings in gas and tolls make it the more affordable option in the long run.
Conclusion
When taking a road trip from Burlington to Hopkinton, it's essential to consider the different route options and their associated costs. Based on the current gas prices and tolls, the MA-9 W and MA-135 W route is the most affordable option. With its scenic views and avoidance of tolls, it's also the more enjoyable route. So get in your car, put on some good music, and enjoy the drive to Hopkinton!