The Cost of a Trip Between Burlington, MA and Mansfield, CT: A Guide Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Burlington, Massachusetts and Mansfield, Connecticut, you're likely wondering how much it will cost. The answer depends on a number of factors, including your mode of transportation, the route you take, and of course, gas prices. This guide will break down the different options and costs associated with each one to help you make the best decision for your trip.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you could take when traveling between Burlington and Mansfield. Which one you choose will likely depend on your starting and ending points within each town and your preference for highway vs. scenic routes.

Route #1: I-84 E

One option is to take I-84 E, which is the most direct route and the one that Google Maps automatically suggests. If you start your journey in Burlington, you'll take 128 S to I-90 W, then merge onto I-84 E in Sturbridge. The total distance for this route is approximately 87 miles, and it should take about 1 hour and 20 minutes without traffic.

Route #2: I-95 S and I-395 S

Another route option is to take I-95 S and I-395 S. This route will take you through a more scenic part of Connecticut, which may be preferable if you're not concerned about travel time. If you start your journey in Burlington, you'll take 128 S to I-95 S, then take exit 85 toward 138 N/CT-164/North Stonington. From there, you'll merge onto I-395 S and continue until you reach Mansfield. The total distance for this route is approximately 105 miles, and it should take about 2 hours without traffic.

Route #3: Scenic Route

For those who prefer a more scenic route, there's an alternative that will take you through several picturesque towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut. If you start your journey in Burlington, you'll take 128 S to Route 20 W, then take a right onto Route 56/Airport Rd in Leicester. From there, you'll continue on Route 56 to Route 131, then take Route 30 to Route 169 in Connecticut. Finally, you'll take Route 195 to Mansfield. The total distance for this route is approximately 109 miles, and it should take about 2 hours and 20 minutes without traffic.

Cost Breakdown

Now that we've covered the different routes you could take, let's break down the costs associated with each one.

Route #1: I-84 E

If you're taking I-84 E, you'll likely be driving a car, which means you'll need to factor in the cost of gas. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the current average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.64/gallon (as of June 2021). Taking into account the distance for this route (87 miles) and the average MPG for a midsize car (24 MPG), you'll need approximately 3.6 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That means you'll spend approximately $9.50 on gas each way.

Route #2: I-95 S and I-395 S

If you're taking I-95 S and I-395 S, you'll also need to factor in gas costs. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the current average gas price in Connecticut is $2.89/gallon (as of June 2021). Taking into account the distance for this route (105 miles) and the average MPG for a midsize car (24 MPG), you'll need approximately 4.4 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That means you'll spend approximately $12.75 on gas each way.

Route #3: Scenic Route

If you're taking the scenic route, you'll need to factor in gas costs as well. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the current average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.64/gallon (as of June 2021). Taking into account the distance for this route (109 miles) and the average MPG for a midsize car (24 MPG), you'll need approximately 4.5 gallons of gas to complete this trip. That means you'll spend approximately $11.90 on gas each way.

Recommendation

After looking at the different routes and their associated costs, our recommendation for the best route would be Route #1: I-84 E. While it's the shortest route, it's also the most direct and will likely have the least amount of traffic. The cost is also the lowest of the three options, which is a bonus. However, if you have the time and prefer a more scenic route, Route #3 is also a good option.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a trip between Burlington, Massachusetts and Mansfield, Connecticut will depend on the route you take and current gas prices. The most direct route (I-84 E) will cost approximately $9.50 each way in gas, while the scenic route will cost approximately $11.90 each way in gas. If you have the time and prefer a more scenic route, Route #3 is a good option. Otherwise, we recommend taking Route #1 to save both time and money. Regardless of which route you choose, enjoy the trip!