Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge and Lexington: Calculation based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between two cities can be an aspect of life that many people often overlook in terms of the need to budget for it wisely. Whether you are commuting to work or visiting family, traveling to nearby cities like Cambridge and Lexington can also come with some hidden expenses that you might not have considered. In this article, we will delve into the cost of a trip between Cambridge and Lexington, considering the different routes and the current gas prices.

Route Options

When trying to navigate between two cities, it is always helpful to know the various routes available. In the case of Cambridge and Lexington, there are different routes you can take, each with its own distance and cost implications.

Route 1: Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street

This route involves using Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street to move from Cambridge to Lexington. The distance covered by this route is about 6.7 miles, with an estimated drive time of 17 minutes. This route goes through Arlington and is advantageous because it is relatively sheltered from heavy traffic and also incurs fewer tolls. During non-peak hours of the day, this route might be the best option for drivers.

Route 2: I-95 North

I-95 North is the most direct route, with a distance of about 8.2 miles and an estimated drive time of 16 minutes. Although it is the shortest route available, the I-95 North route is mainly used by private car drivers during peak hours where traffic is relatively lighter on this major highway. The cost of tolls, however, might be higher so it is critical to factor that into the trip's budget.

Route 3: Fresh Pond Parkway and Concord Avenue

If you want to take a scenic route that comes with a lower risk of rush hour traffic, then the Fresh Pond Parkway route is the way to go. The distance between Cambridge and Lexington through this route is about 8.4 miles, with an estimated drive time of 20 minutes. The Fresh Pond Parkway route, however, can be more prone to accidents and takes longer than the other two alternatives.

Cost Implications

Knowing the different routes available to you is not enough if you do not factor in the cost. Although petrol prices are dynamic, it is helpful to take into consideration the fuel prices that affect the cost of the trip and plan accordingly.

The cost of gas in Massachusetts and Cambridge is higher than in other parts of the country. In May 2021, the average price per gallon was $2.92 in Massachusetts, while in Cambridge, it was around $2.88. Based on that average, the cost of fuel to travel 10.9 miles, which is the combined distance of all three routes, is around $3.46.

When factoring in the cost of tolls, it is crucial to note that Route 2, which is the most direct route between Cambridge and Lexington, has road tolls ranging from $1 to $2. The Fresh Pond Parkway route could save a driver a couple of tolls, but the cost difference will not be significant because the time difference to cover the same distance is far.

Therefore, if driving Route 2 between Cambridge and Lexington, the minimum cost estimate would be $3.46 for gas and about $3 for tolls.

Recommendation

After factoring in cost and distance, our recommendation would be for drivers to use Route 1, Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street. This is because the route has fewer tolls and is relatively sheltered from traffic. The drive time is slightly longer than the I-95 route, but on this route, drivers will only spend about $3.46 on gas.

Conclusion

Traveling between Cambridge and Lexington is relatively easy, with different routes available for drivers. However, navigating the cost and distance implications of the different routes is important to make the trip budget-friendly. The Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street route is the most cost-effective yet still relatively efficient route. Our final cost estimate for the trip, considering fuel expenses and tolls, is roughly $3.46 for Route 1. With a drive time between 17-20 minutes, ensured by our suggested route, one can have a comfortable driving experience without breaking the bank.