The Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Livingston, New Jersey: Navigating the Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Livingston, New Jersey can be a challenging feat with the current gas prices in the United States. It is crucial for travelers to know the cost and distance of various routes before embarking on the trip. In this article, we will dive into the different possible routes, their respective costs and distances, and recommend the best route.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-95 S and NJ Turnpike S

The first and most common route is to take I-95 S and NJ Turnpike S. This route is 272 miles long and takes approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. It is a direct route that takes travelers through major cities such as New Haven, Providence, and New York City. However, this route is known for its heavy traffic, which can increase travel time significantly.

The cost of this route depends on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the current gas prices. According to GasBuddy, the current gas prices in Massachusetts and New Jersey are $2.24 and $2.24 per gallon, respectively. Assuming a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG), it would cost $45.44 for a one-way trip.

Route 2: I-84 W and I-287 S

The second route is to take I-84 W and I-287 S. This route is 276 miles long and takes approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Although it is a slightly longer route than Route 1, it avoids major cities such as New Haven and Providence, which reduces the likelihood of heavy traffic.

The cost of this route also depends on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the current gas prices. Assuming the same vehicle as before, it would cost $46.08 for a one-way trip. The gas prices for this route are the same as the previous route, $2.24 per gallon in Massachusetts and $2.24 per gallon in New Jersey.

Route 3: Merritt Pkwy S, I-287 S, and Garden State Pkwy S

The third and final route is to take Merritt Pkwy S, I-287 S, and Garden State Pkwy S. This route is 283 miles long and takes approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. It avoids major cities entirely, but travelers must navigate through several smaller towns in Connecticut and New Jersey.

The cost of this route is again dependent on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the current gas prices. It would cost $47.68 for a one-way trip assuming the same vehicle. The gas prices for this route are the same as before, $2.24 per gallon in Massachusetts and $2.24 per gallon in New Jersey.

Best Route

After considering the distance, travel time, and cost of each route, the recommended route is Route 2: I-84 W and I-287 S. Although it is slightly longer than Route 1, it avoids major cities, which can be an advantage if traveling during peak times. Additionally, it has the same gas prices as Route 1 and avoids the risk of heavy traffic.

Conclusion

When traveling from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Livingston, New Jersey, it is important to consider the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. There are three possible routes to take, each with its own distance, travel time, and cost. While the shortest route, Route 1, is a direct route, it is also known for heavy traffic. The recommended route, Route 2, may be slightly longer, but it avoids major cities and heavy traffic, making it the best route. The cost of the trip depends on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and the current gas prices. Assuming a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and gas prices of $2.24 per gallon in Massachusetts and New Jersey, it would cost $46.08 for a one-way trip.