The Cost of a Trip Between Burlington and Palmer, Massachusetts
If you are planning a road trip from Burlington, Massachusetts, to Palmer, Massachusetts, you might be wondering about the costs. Driving is often cheaper than flying, and the cost depends on many factors, including the distance, gas prices, and the type of vehicle you drive. In this article, we will discuss the potential costs of various routes from Burlington to Palmer and provide recommendations based on your budget and preferences.
Route Options
There are three primary routes between Burlington and Palmer:
- The Massachusetts Turnpike or I-90
- I-290 and Route 20
- Route 2
Each route has its advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, distance, and time.
Massachusetts Turnpike or I-90
The Massachusetts Turnpike, also designated as I-90, is the most direct route from Burlington to Palmer. The tolls are comparatively higher than other routes, but it may be worth it if you want to reach your destination quickly. The 75 miles trip will take approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on the traffic. Here is an overview of the cost of each segment of Massachusetts Turnpike between Burlington to Palmer:
| Segment | Toll Fees |
|---|---|
| Exit 32A to Exit 10 | $7.00 |
| Exit 10 to Exit 6 | $5.80 |
| Exit 6 to Exit 3 | $3.60 |
It will cost you around $16.40 in total if you take the Massachusetts Turnpike.
I-290 and Route 20
I-290 and Route 20 are alternate routes that can be taken to Palmer from Burlington. This route is shorter than the Massachusetts Turnpike, but there may be traffic in Worcester during peak hours. The distance is around 70 miles, and it takes around an hour and twenty minutes to reach Palmer from Burlington. The total cost is approximately $3.50 for toll fees.
Route 2
Route 2 is another possible route from Burlington to Palmer via I-190. This route will take you through the historic town of Concord, and you can take a break and walk around the town if you have time. It is a more scenic route compared to the other two and can be more relaxing as there are no tolls. The total distance is about 80 miles, and it will take around an hour and half to reach Palmer from Burlington.
The Cost of Gas
The cost of gas is usually the most significant expense for a road trip. Gas prices fluctuate depending on location and time, and therefore, it is essential to check the prices before you hit the road. As of writing this article, the fuel prices in Massachusetts are around $2.85 a gallon on average. For our calculations, we will assume the mileage for the different routes to be the same at 70 miles.
A typical car can get around 25 miles per gallon on the highway. If you fill up your gas tank in Burlington and drive to Palmer and back, you will need around 5.6 gallons of gas. The total cost of gas will be approximately $16.
Recommendations
If you are looking for convenience and time is of the essence, then it is better to take the Massachusetts Turnpike despite the higher tolls. However, if you are not in a hurry and want to take in the scenic route, we recommend taking Route 2. The cost of gas will be approximately $16, and you can avoid the tolls. You can take the I-290 and Route 20 route if you want to avoid tolls but still want to save time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are different routes to take from Burlington to Palmer, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The cost of the trip will depend on the route you take, gas prices, and the type of vehicle you drive. If you are looking for convenience, the Massachusetts Turnpike is the best option, but if you want to save money, then choose Route 2. Either way, the trip is relatively affordable and should take around an hour and a half. Happy travelling!