Driving Cost from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Natick, Massachusetts

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The Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge, MA and Natick, MA

If you’re planning a trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Natick, Massachusetts, you might be wondering how much it will cost you. The answer to that question will depend on a few different factors, including which route you take, the cost of gas, and any tolls you may have to pay. In this article, we will explore the various routes you can take and highlight the costs associated with each one.

Route Options

Route 1: Taking Main Street (MA-135)

One route you can take is to head west on MA-2A from Cambridge, take a left onto Main Street (MA-135) and continue straight for around 10 miles until you reach Natick. This route will cover a distance of around 11.6 miles and take approximately 25 minutes, depending on the traffic. You won't have to pay any tolls on this route.

Route 2: Taking Beacon St and I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike)

Another option is to start by heading west on Massachusetts Avenue, taking a right onto Beacon Street and then heading onto I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike). You can exit at Natick, which is Exit 13, and then take MA-30 west to get to your final destination. This route is longer at around 21 miles in distance but is often faster. It will probably take around 30 minutes to get there. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a toll on the Massachusetts Turnpike, and that will cost you around $1.90 with an EZ-Pass.

Route 3: Taking Memorial Drive and I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike)

The final option is to head west on Massachusetts Avenue, take a left onto Memorial Drive, and then turn onto I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike). You can exit at Natick, which is Exit 13, and then take MA-30 west to get to your final destination. This route is around 19 miles in distance and similar to the second route. It will take about the same time – or perhaps a little less – and you’ll incur the same toll cost as Route 2.

Cost Breakdown

Now that you know the different routes you can take, let's break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices and other associated costs.

Assuming you're driving a vehicle that gets around 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices in the area are around $2.60 per gallon, the cost of gas will be around $3.13 for Route 1 and $5.80 for Routes 2 and 3.

If you're taking Route 2 or 3 and are using EZ-Pass on the Massachusetts Turnpike, you'll have to pay a toll of $1.90 each way, or $3.80 in total. Keep in mind that if you don't have an EZ-Pass, the toll cost could be higher.

Taking everything into account, the total cost of the trip would be:

  • Route 1: $3.13
  • Route 2 or Route 3: $9.60 (including gas and tolls)

After considering all the pros and cons of each route, the best option would be to go with Route 3 – taking Memorial Drive and I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike). This option provides you with a slightly shorter distance and tends to be a quicker route when compared to Route 1. While it does come with a toll cost, it’s still the second most economical in terms of gas and tolls. Additionally, it is the most direct route from Cambridge to Natick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cambridge and Natick will vary depending on the route you take, gas prices, and any tolls you may have to pay. While there are many different routes available, taking Memorial Drive and I-90 W (Massachusetts Turnpike) seems to be the best all-around option for this particular trip. It provides a good balance between distance, time, and cost. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind that there can be unexpected issues on the road, so be prepared to make adjustments if necessary. Happy travels!