Driving Cost from Canaan, Maine to New Gloucester, Maine

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Canaan to New Gloucester: Analyzing Gas Prices

If you want to plan a road trip from Canaan to New Gloucester, you need to consider the cost of gas, which has been on the rise lately. Gas prices can vary from station to station, so it's essential to determine the best route and the stations where you can save on gas along the way. In this article, we will analyze the various routes, the distances, and the cost of each one to provide you with the best option based on gas prices.

Route Options

The distance between Canaan and New Gloucester is approximately 79 miles, and there are several routes you can take, but we will focus on the most common ones:

Route 1: Via I-95 S

By taking I-95 S, you will cover 58.2 miles, which takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This route takes you through Etna, Newport, Pittsfield, Waterville, Sidney, Augusta, and Lewiston. To find the cheapest gas along this route, use GasBuddy, which provides real-time prices and maps.

Route 2: Via ME-100 S and I-295 S

Another alternative route is to take ME-100 S, which takes you through St Albans, Palmyra, Pittsfield, and Fairfield. It’s approximately 29.8 miles long and should take you about 35 minutes. From Fairfield, you head south on I-295 S toward Topsham for approximately 40.9 miles, and it takes 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This route takes you through Portland and Brunswick.

Route 3: Via ME-2 W and US-202 W

Thirdly, you could go through ME-2 W and US-202 W. It’s a relatively shorter route of about 52 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. This route takes you through Skowhegan, Norridgewock, Fairfield, and Augusta. With fewer towns to go through, there’s limited opportunity to find gas along the way, so it’s better to fill up your tank earlier in the journey.

The Cost of Each Route

To determine the cost of each route, we used GasBuddy.com, which provides the latest gas prices. The prices are as of May 2021, and costs can vary depending on the station and the day of the week.

Route 1

Using I-95 S, the average gas price is $2.90 per gallon, and the total cost would be approximately $24.87. It's essential to plan your fuel stops in advance as prices fluctuate frequently at the gas stations along the route. If you're lucky, you might find gas for as low as $2.79 per gallon, which will reduce your cost by $1.08 per gallon. If you're unlucky, the cost per gallon can be as high as $2.99, which will increase your cost by $1.08 per gallon.

Route 2

If you take ME-100 S and I-295 S, the average price of gas is $2.79 per gallon. The total cost of gas will be approximately $26.36, and it’s important to plan your fuel stops since not all gas stations on this route are likely to have the lowest prices. If you're lucky, you might find gas for as low as $2.73 per gallon, which will save you $0.06 per gallon. If you're unlucky, the cost of gas can be as high as $2.89 per gallon, which will increase your cost by $0.10 per gallon.

Route 3

With ME-2 W and US-202 W, the cost per gallon averages $2.89. The total cost of this journey is approximately $24.86. Given that there are fewer towns and fewer gas stations, it’s essential to plan your route according to stations with the best gas prices. If you're lucky, you might find gas for as low as $2.82 per gallon, which could save you $0.07 per gallon. If you're unlucky, gas prices can be as high as $2.99 per gallon, which increases your cost by $0.10 per gallon.

Based on the distances and costs of the routes, it’s clear that Route 3 is the best option for your road trip. It’s relatively shorter, and the total cost of gas is less compared to the other two routes. By taking Route 3, you save approximately $2 in gas compared to Route 1 and about $2.50 compared to Route 2. Though it’s important to note that prices change frequently and you can verify before you embark on your journey by checking out recent gas prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, road-tripping from Canaan to New Gloucester can be an exciting, yet cost-intensive journey. While the cost of gas is likely to vary, it’s important to consider your route and the gas stations with the most affordable prices. By taking Route 3 that spans 52 miles, you’ll pay around $24.86 for gas, which ranks it as the most cost-effective route available. That said, you should research the gas stations beforehand to determine who has the best deals on gas. Try GasBuddy, and get real-time updates on gas prices, which will ultimately help you save money and enjoy your trip.