Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Butler, New Jersey, to South Portland, Maine

If you're planning a road trip from Butler, New Jersey, to South Portland, Maine, calculating the cost of gas is an essential task you don't want to overlook. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, knowing how much it will cost in advance can help you plan ahead and save some money.

There are several routes you could take to drive the 400-plus miles from Butler to South Portland, each with its own costs and benefits. In this article, we'll break down the different routes you could take and highlight the distance and associated gas costs for each one.

Route 1: Via I-95 N

One of the most popular ways to get from Butler to South Portland is via I-95 N. This route is approximately 464 miles long and takes just over 7 hours to drive without traffic.

The cost of gas for this trip will vary depending on the type of vehicle you're driving and the current cost of gas. However, assuming a gas mileage of 28 miles per gallon (mpg), gas prices at the national average of $2.85 per gallon, and a round trip, you can expect to spend around $82.30 on gas for the entire journey.

Route 2: Via I-84 E and I-90 E

Another option is to take I-84 E and I-90 E to get to South Portland. This route is approximately 494 miles long and takes just under 8 hours to drive without traffic.

Like the first route, the cost of gas on this journey will vary depending on your vehicle and current gas prices. However, with an assumed fuel economy of 28 mpg and gas prices at the national average, you should budget around $89.28 for gas for the entire round trip.

Route 3: Via I-95 and US-1

A third option is to take both I-95 and US-1 to reach South Portland. This route is slightly longer than the other two at approximately 506 miles and takes just over 8 hours to drive.

Assuming a fuel efficiency of 28 mpg and national average gas prices, you should aim to spend just over $91.67 on gas for this journey.

Recommendation: Route 1 via I-95 N

Based on the calculations above, the most cost-effective route for this trip is via I-95 N. This route is the shortest and requires the least amount of driving time, resulting in a lower overall cost of gas.

It's essential to remember that gas prices can vary widely depending on the region and even the time of day. As such, it's best to plan ahead and budget accordingly when embarking on any significant driving journey.

Conclusion

In summary, a road trip from Butler, New Jersey to South Portland, Maine, can be done in several ways, with variances in mileage and driving time. The recommended route to take is via I-95 N, which is the shortest and most cost-effective route. With a fuel economy of 28 mpg, national average gas prices of $2.85/gallon, and a round trip, you should budget about $82.30 on gas for the entire journey.

Overall, a trip from Butler to South Portland takes at least 7 hours to complete, covering roughly 464 miles. We recommend you always plan ahead, pack snacks for the drive, and download some good music or podcasts to enjoy as you hit the open road. Happy travels!