Gas Prices and the Cost of a Trip between Cambridge, MA and the Town of Lewiston, NY
Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the Town of Lewiston, New York? If so, one of the determining factors in your budget will be the cost of gasoline. With gas prices fluctuating on a regular basis, it can be tough to come up with a precise estimate for your trip. However, there are some ballpark figures that you can use to help plan your route and determine the amount of gas money you'll need for the journey. In this article, we'll examine different possible routes from Cambridge to Lewiston, highlighting the costs, distances, and travel times of each.
Route 1: The Massachusetts Turnpike and I-90
One common route for drivers traveling from Cambridge to Lewiston is the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-90. This route will take you west through central Massachusetts, into upstate New York, and eventually to Lewiston. The approximate distance between Cambridge and Lewiston on this route is 410 miles.
Based on the current average gas price in Massachusetts ($2.94/gallon as of August 2021), you can estimate that you'll need to spend approximately $80 to $90 in gas to make this trip, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and any stops you make along the way.
There are numerous rest areas and gas stations along this route, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding places to stop and refuel. In terms of travel time, you can expect the journey to take around 7 hours, assuming normal traffic conditions.
Route 2: I-90 and I-190
Another popular route for this trip is to take I-90 and then connect with I-190 north of Buffalo, NY. This route is slightly shorter than the Massachusetts Turnpike, at approximately 400 miles from Cambridge to Lewiston.
On this route, you'll be driving through central Massachusetts, into upstate New York, and then up the Niagara River to Lewiston. Based on the current average gas prices in Massachusetts and New York ($2.94/gallon and $3.13/gallon as of August 2021, respectively), you can estimate that you'll need to spend approximately $80 to $90 in gas to make this trip, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and any stops you make along the way.
Rest areas and gas stations are plentiful on this route, particularly once you enter New York State. Assuming normal traffic conditions, you can expect the journey to take around 7 hours.
Route 3: I-90 and NY-31
If you're looking for a slightly more scenic route, one option is to take I-90 and then exit onto NY-31 near Buffalo, NY. This route will take you along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, through the cities of Rochester and Batavia, and then along the Erie Canal to Lewiston. The approximate distance on this route is 420 miles.
Based on the current average gas prices in Massachusetts and New York, you can estimate that you'll need to spend approximately $85 to $95 in gas to make this trip, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and any stops you make along the way.
While rest areas and gas stations are available along this route, they may be somewhat less frequent than on the other two routes above. Additionally, this route may take slightly longer due to its more winding nature and the potential for traffic in and around Rochester and Batavia. You can expect the journey to take around 7.5 - 8 hours under normal traffic conditions.
Recommended Route and Conclusion
Of the above routes, I would recommend taking the Massachusetts Turnpike and I-90. This route offers the most direct and efficient way of getting from Cambridge to Lewiston, with plenty of rest areas and gas stations along the way. While the other routes have their appeal in terms of scenery and potential for sightseeing, they may not be worth the extra time and potential fuel costs.
Overall, you can expect to spend somewhere between $80 and $95 in gas for a round trip between Cambridge and Lewiston, depending on your fuel efficiency and driving habits. Other costs, such as tolls and hotel stays, will vary depending on your chosen route and itinerary. With careful planning and a bit of flexibility, you can enjoy a fun and affordable road trip from Cambridge to the Town of Lewiston, New York.