The Cost of a Trip between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Plainville, Massachusetts: A Guide based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Cambridge and Plainville in Massachusetts can be quite a pleasant journey. The two towns are located in the eastern and central regions of the state, respectively, and offer some of the best attractions and natural scenery in Massachusetts. However, the cost of traveling between these towns can vary depending on the routes and modes of transportation you take. In this article, we will take a look at the different routes you can take and highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for you based on your travel preferences and budget.

Possible Routes

There are several possible ways to travel from Cambridge to Plainville. The most common routes include:

Route 1: I-95 South

This is the shortest and most convenient route, at only 37.8 miles, and can be covered in less than an hour. If there are no delays in the traffic, you can get from Cambridge to Plainville in just 43 minutes. The main disadvantage of this route is that it can be quite congested at peak hours, especially in the urban areas around Boston. Be prepared for some slow-moving traffic, especially during the rush hour.

Route 2: I-90 West and I-495 South

This route is slightly longer at 57.4 miles, but it offers more scenic views and is less congested than Route 1 most times of the day. You will need to take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) westbound from the Cambridge area, get off at Exit 11A in Millbury, then merge onto I-495 South towards Cape Cod. You will then get off at Exit 14B in Plainville. This route can take you 1 hour and 10 minutes without accounting for traffic.

Route 3: Route 1 South

This route is the longest of the three, at 43.6 miles, and can take you around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the traffic. It involves taking Route 1 South all the way from Cambridge to Plainville. Route 1 is quite a scenic route, with many shops, cafes, and restaurants on the way. The main disadvantage of this route is that it can be quite busy at peak hours, especially in the urban areas.

The Cost of the Trip

The cost of traveling from Cambridge to Plainville will depend on a variety of factors such as the mode of transportation, the distance, the gas prices, and the toll fees. Below is a breakdown of the cost of each route, assuming that you are driving a car and using it as the main mode of transportation.

Route 1: I-95 South

This route involves using I-95 South, which is a toll road. The toll fee can cost you around $3.50 for a one-way trip. The gas cost for this route will depend on the average gas prices in Massachusetts at the time of the trip. Assuming that the current gas price is $2.68 per gallon, and your car has an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon, you will need to spend around $9.00 on gas for a one-way trip. This brings the total cost of the trip on this route to around $12.50, not accounting for parking fees.

Route 2: I-90 West and I-495 South

This route involves taking the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), which is a toll road. The toll fee can cost you around $9.80 for a one-way trip. The gas cost for this route will depend on the average gas price in Massachusetts. Assuming that the current gas price is $2.68 per gallon, and your car has an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon, you will need to spend around $17.50 on gas for a one-way trip. This brings the total cost of the trip on this route to around $27.30, excluding parking fees.

Route 3: Route 1 South

This route does not involve a toll road, but you will still need to pay for gas and parking fees. Assuming that the current gas price is $2.68 per gallon, and your car has an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon, you will need to spend around $14.00 on gas for a one-way trip. The parking fees will depend on where you park, but on average, they can cost you around $10.00 per day. This brings the total cost of the trip on this route to around $24.00.

Recommendation

Based on the above information, we recommend taking Route 1: I-95 South, mainly because it is the shortest and the cheapest route of the three. Although it is a toll road, the toll fee is not high, and you will not have to spend much on gas either. Additionally, this route is the easiest to navigate, making it ideal for those who are not familiar with the area.

Conclusion

Traveling between Cambridge and Plainville in Massachusetts is an enjoyable journey that offers diverse attractions and natural scenery. There are several ways to travel from one town to the other, and the cost of each route will depend on a variety of factors. We recommend taking Route 1, as it is the cheapest and shortest of the three routes. The trip can take anywhere between 43 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the route you choose and the traffic conditions. With proper planning and management, your trip from Cambridge to Plainville can be a memorable and cost-effective experience.