The Cost of a Road Trip from Canaan, New Hampshire to Indianapolis, Indiana: An Analysis Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a road trip from Canaan, New Hampshire to Indianapolis, Indiana, there are many factors to consider before hitting the road. One of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the trip, which includes not only gas prices but also other expenses such as food, lodging, and tolls. In this article, we will analyze the cost of different routes between Canaan and Indianapolis, highlighting the distance and gas prices along each route. We will also recommend the best route for the budget-conscious traveler.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes to travel from Canaan, New Hampshire to Indianapolis, Indiana. The most common routes include:

Route 1: I-90 West

One of the most popular routes for traveling between Canaan and Indianapolis is along I-90 West, which stretches across seven states. This route starts in Canaan, NH, and takes the driver through Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, before reaching the destination in Indianapolis, IN. This route is around 880 miles long.

Route 2: I-91 South & I-90 West

Another possible route is to take I-91 South and I-90 West. This route begins in Canaan, NH, and takes the driver through Massachusetts and New York before connecting with I-90 West, which goes through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before arriving in Indianapolis, IN. This route is approximately 905 miles long.

Route 3: I-84 West & I-80 West

A possible alternative route is to follow I-84 West and I-80 West. This route begins in Canaan, NH, and goes through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before reaching the destination in Indianapolis, IN. This route is about 970 miles long.

Costs and Expenses

When planning a road trip between Canaan and Indianapolis, it is important to consider the expenses that will be incurred along the way, including gas, food, lodging, and tolls. In this section, we will analyze the cost of gas along each of the three routes mentioned above.

Cost of Gas

The cost of gas is one of the biggest expenses to consider when planning a road trip. Gas prices vary depending on the state, with some states charging much higher gas prices than others. According to GasBuddy.com data, the average gas price in New Hampshire is $2.87 per gallon, while in Indiana, the average gas price is $2.68 per gallon (as of August 2021).

Assuming the vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, we can calculate the cost of gas for each route. Keep in mind that the cost of gas may vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, driving habits, and traffic.

Cost of Gas for Route 1: I-90 West

The distance between Canaan, NH, and Indianapolis, IN, along Route 1 (I-90 West), is around 880 miles. If the vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this means you will need around 35 gallons of gas to complete the trip. Assuming the average gas price in the states along this route is $2.80 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $98.

Cost of Gas for Route 2: I-91 South & I-90 West

The distance between Canaan, NH, and Indianapolis, IN, along Route 2 (I-91 South & I-90 West), is approximately 905 miles. If the vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this means you will need around 36 gallons of gas to complete the trip. Assuming the average gas price in the states along this route is $2.80 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $101.

Cost of Gas for Route 3: I-84 West & I-80 West

The distance between Canaan, NH, and Indianapolis, IN, along Route 3 (I-84 West & I-80 West) is around 970 miles. If the vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, this means you will need around 39 gallons of gas to complete the trip. Assuming the average gas price in the states along this route is $2.80 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $109.

Other Costs and Expenses

Aside from gas, there are several other expenses that must be considered when planning a road trip. These can include lodging, food, and tolls. Lodging costs can vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen, with options ranging from hotels to camping sites. Food costs can also vary greatly depending on the number of meals consumed per day, the type of food chosen, and the frequency of snacking.

Tolls are another expense that must be considered when traveling on highways. Toll fees can vary depending on the state, with some states charging a flat fee and others charging by the mile. For example, Massachusetts charges a toll of $1.90 for a passenger vehicle on I-90, while Ohio charges a toll of $0.10 per mile on the Ohio Turnpike.

Best Route

Based on our analysis, the best route for a road trip between Canaan, NH, and Indianapolis, IN, is Route 1 (I-90 West). This route is the shortest and most direct, with a total distance of approximately 880 miles. It is also the cheapest option in terms of gas expenses, with a total cost of around $98 (assuming an average gas price of $2.80 per gallon).

While Route 3 (I-84 West & I-80 West) is the longest and most expensive option, it may still be worth considering if the traveler wishes to visit certain destinations along the way. For example, this route goes through New York City, which offers many attractions for tourists.

Conclusion

A road trip from Canaan, New Hampshire to Indianapolis, Indiana, requires careful planning and budgeting. The cost of the trip will depend largely on the route chosen, with gas prices being one of the biggest factors to consider. Based on our analysis, we recommend taking Route 1 (I-90 West), which offers the shortest and most direct route, as well as the lowest gas expenses. However, travelers should also consider other factors such as tolls, lodging, and food expenses when planning their trip. Overall, the trip can take around 13 hours to complete, so be sure to plan accordingly!