The Cost of Traveling between Calais, Vermont and Fairfax, Vermont in 2021

If you are planning a trip between Calais and Fairfax, Vermont, one of your primary concerns is most likely to be the cost of the journey. With fuel prices fluctuating constantly and several different possible routes to take, determining the most cost-effective mode of travel can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the various routes you can take to travel between Calais and Fairfax, Vermont, their estimated distance and cost, and which route we recommend.

Route Option 1: Driving on I-89 S

The first route option to consider is taking the I-89 S route, which is the shortest and most direct path between Calais and Fairfax. The distance between these two towns is about 40.1 miles, and depending on your speed and traffic conditions, it should take you about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete this trip.

Taking this route, you will begin at Calais and drive south on Route 14 towards East Montpelier. You will then take the ramp onto I-89 S towards Burlington and continue on this highway for about 25 miles until you reach exit 18 to go to St. Albans. From there, you will take VT-104 E and follow it for about 6 miles until you get to Main St in Fairfax, VT.

The estimated fuel cost for this 40.1-mile trip is about $6.66, assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is 23 MPG and that the fuel price is around $2.81 per gallon.

Route Option 2: Driving on US-2 E

The second route to consider is driving on US-2 E. This route is slightly more indirect than the previous option, with a distance of about 44.4 miles between Calais and Fairfax. Depending on your speed and traffic conditions, it should take you about 50 minutes to 1 hour to complete this trip.

Taking this route, you will begin at Calais and drive east on VT-14 S towards East Montpelier. You will then take the ramp on the right to merge onto I-89 N towards Burlington and drive for about 6.1 miles until you get to exit 8 for Montpelier. From here on, you will switch to US-2 E and keep driving for about 25 miles until you get to Main St in Fairfax.

The estimated fuel cost for this 44.4-mile trip is about $7.37, assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is 23 MPG and that the fuel price is around $2.81 per gallon.

Route Option 3: Taking Public Transportation

While driving may be the primary mode of transportation for many travelers between Calais and Fairfax, there is also the option of public transit, specifically the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) bus service.

GMT operates a bus line that runs between Montpelier and Burlington, with a stop in Richmond, which is not far from Fairfax. The bus fare is $4 per ride, and with this route, you will have to change buses in Richmond, where the GMT bus connects with the Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) bus service. The total travel time for this route is about 2 hours and 10 minutes. However, taking public transit may not be the quickest and most direct option, but it sure will save you a lot of money on gas prices.

Recommendation

In considering the different route options, the I-89 S route is the most direct route and also the cheapest when it comes to fuel cost. Although it may not necessarily be the shortest distance between Calais and Fairfax, the I-89 S option saves time and energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several different ways to travel between Calais and Fairfax, Vermont, and each has its pros and cons. After reviewing the three options, we recommend taking the I-89 S route due to its direct nature and cheaper fuel cost. Keep in mind that fuel prices are always fluctuating, and these estimated costs may not align with your actual cost. When making your travel plans, also take into consideration the current gas prices to help ensure you stay within your allotted budget.