The Cost of a Trip Between Burlington, MA and Nahant, MA Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling from Burlington, Massachusetts to Nahant, Massachusetts can be an enjoyable and easy road trip depending on various factors such as the route, traffic, weather, and, of course, the cost. In this article, we are going to explore different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on factors like mileage and travel time to help you plan your next journey.
Possible Routes Between Burlington, MA and Nahant, MA
Before we delve into the cost aspect, let’s take a quick look at the possible routes between Burlington and Nahant. There are different routes to choose from, each with its own pros and cons.
- Route 1 via I-95 and MA-1A: This route covers 23.9 miles and usually takes around 35 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. It’s the most popular route and has the lowest tolls, but it can be congested during peak hours.
- Route 2 via US-1A: This route covers 28.7 miles and usually takes around 40 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. It’s a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the coast, but it has higher tolls than other routes.
- Route 3 via I-93 and MA-1A: This route covers 28.5 miles and usually takes around 40 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. It’s a faster route than Route 1, but it has higher tolls and can be congested during peak hours.
The Cost and Distance of Each Route
Now that we have an idea of the different possible routes, let’s take a closer look at the cost and distance of each one.
Route 1 via I-95 and MA-1A
This is the most popular route for traveling from Burlington to Nahant, covering a distance of 23.9 miles. It usually takes around 35 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. The cost of this route depends on various factors such as gas prices, tolls, and vehicle mileage.
If we assume that gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon would consume around 1 gallon of gas on this route. Based on current toll rates, the cost of tolls on this route is $0.50 for I-95 and $0.70 for MA-1A, bringing the total toll cost to $1.20 one-way.
In addition to the tolls and gas, we also need to factor in the cost of wear and tear on the vehicle. According to AAA, the average per-mile cost of driving a small sedan is around $0.60 based on factors like maintenance, repairs, and depreciation. If we assume that the distance covered is 23.9 miles, the total cost of wear and tear would be around $14.34.
Adding up the tolls, gas, and wear and tear costs, the total cost of one-way travel via Route 1 would be around $17.04. For a round trip, the total cost would be around $34.08.
Route 2 via US-1A
This route is slightly longer than Route 1, covering a distance of 28.7 miles. It usually takes around 40 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. The main benefit of this route is the scenic drive along the coast with breathtaking views.
The toll cost of this route is higher than that of Route 1. According to current toll rates, the cost of the Sumner Tunnel is $3.50 one-way. Gas consumption for a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon would be around 1.14 gallons. Assuming a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $2.85.
The cost of wear and tear on the vehicle would be higher for this route due to the additional mileage. If we assume that the per-mile cost of driving is around $0.60, the total cost of wear and tear for this route would be around $17.22.
Adding up the tolls, gas, and wear and tear costs, the total cost for one-way travel via Route 2 would be around $24.57. For a round trip, the total cost would be around $49.14.
Route 3 via I-93 and MA-1A
This route is slightly faster than Route 1, covering a distance of 28.5 miles. It usually takes around 40 minutes to travel, depending on traffic. The main disadvantage of this route is the higher toll cost.
The toll cost for this route is higher than that of Route 1 due to the inclusion of the Tobin Bridge. The current toll rate for the Tobin Bridge is $5.50 one-way. Gas consumption for a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon would be around 1.14 gallons. Assuming a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total gas cost would be around $2.85.
The cost of wear and tear on the vehicle would be similar to that of Route 2 since the additional distance is minimal. If we assume that the per-mile cost of driving is around $0.60, the total cost of wear and tear for this route would be around $17.1.
Adding up the tolls, gas, and wear and tear costs, the total cost for one-way travel via Route 3 would be around $25.45. For a round trip, the total cost would be around $50.90.
Recommended Route
Based on the above analysis, we can conclude that Route 1 via I-95 and MA-1A is the most cost-efficient and convenient route for traveling from Burlington to Nahant. It has the lowest tolls, is less congested than Route 3 during peak hours, and has the same distance as Route 3 without the higher toll costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Burlington, MA, and Nahant, MA, varies depending on different factors such as gas prices, tolls, and vehicle mileage. The three possible routes are Route 1 via I-95 and MA-1A, Route 2 via US-1A, and Route 3 via I-93 and MA-1A. The most cost-efficient and convenient route is Route 1 via I-95 and MA-1A, with a total cost of around $17.04 one-way, including gas, tolls, and wear and tear. Overall, the trip can be enjoyable if planned well, with the right route choice and considerations of the factors mentioned.