The Cost of a Trip from Cambridge to Waltham Based on Current Gas Prices
If you are planning a trip from Cambridge to Waltham in Massachusetts, then you might be wondering how much it will cost you. Fortunately, with the rising popularity of ride-sharing and car rental apps, it is now easy to calculate the cost of a trip based on current gas prices. This article will break down the different routes from Cambridge to Waltham and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on different factors such as time, convenience, and price.
The Route Options
There are four main routes when driving from Cambridge to Waltham, each with its unique distance and cost. These routes are:
The Massachusetts Avenue Route: Taking Massachusetts Avenue, aka Mass Ave, is the most straightforward route. This route is just 7.5 miles and takes around 20 minutes to reach Waltham. The route is pretty straight with minimal turns and merges.
The Memorial Drive Route: This route is slightly longer at 8.3 miles and takes around 25 minutes to reach Waltham. This route follows the Charles River and offers some fantastic views of Boston's skyline while driving along Memorial Drive.
The Storrow Drive Route: This route covers around 8.2 miles, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach Waltham. Storrow Drive starts at the Longfellow Bridge and runs alongside the Charles River, passing Fenway Park and downtown Boston before merging onto I-90. The route, however, passes busy roads with high traffic, which go slow, and the price of gas may increase.
The I-90 West Route: The longest route of them all covers 9.0 miles and takes around 30 minutes to reach Waltham. This route goes along the Massachusetts Turnpike and is a toll road, which means additional costs.
The Cost Comparison
The cost of gas for each of these routes depends on several factors, including the vehicle's gas mileage, the current price per gallon, and the distance of the route. We calculated these costs based on an estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, and the current average gas price of $2.95 per gallon.
Massachusetts Avenue Route: This route is the shortest, cost-effective, and uses the least amount of gas. A single trip down the Massachusetts Route requires driving roughly 7.5 miles, which translates to roughly $2.82.
Memorial Drive Route: With an approximate distance of 8.3 miles, a trip through the Memorial Bridge route would consume an estimated $3.12 worth of gas.
Storrow Drive Route: The Storrow Drive route is the slowest, busiest, and has the highest traffic of all routes. It costs about $3.08 in gas for a one-way trip through Storrow Drive.
The I-90 West Route: The route with the most extended distance also turns out to be the most expensive of the four. It uses the most considerable amount of fuel, which results in a cost of approximately $3.30, plus a fee from the turnpike.
Recommending the Best Route
Different factors may influence the decision for route selection. For example, if the time is of the essence, the Massachusetts Avenue route is the shortest and quickest, with ideal driving conditions. On the other hand, if the trip's scenery and views matter, then the Memorial Drive route is the ideal option and has beautiful views along the Charles River. Therefore, if you're in a hurry, need a cheap ride, or want to see some beautiful sights, choose the roadway that suits you best.
Conclusion
In summary, the Massachusetts Avenue route between Cambridge and Waltham is the cheapest and most cost-effective of the four routes. Still, the Memorial Drive route offers picturesque views and beautiful sights of Boston's skyline. The most extended I-90 West route is the most expensive and requires a toll fee, while the Storrow Drive route is the slowest and busiest option. Ultimately, all four routes can get you to Waltham, but it comes down to personal preference and incentives. The trip time averages around 25-30 minutes, and based on road conditions and traffic congestion. Enjoy your trip while making reading this article worth it.