The Cost of a Trip between Canton and Stonington

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it can be difficult to plan a budget for a road trip. This is particularly true when traveling between a small rural town like Canton and a coastal town like Stonington in Connecticut. The two towns lie on opposite ends of the state and have a distance of approximately 100 miles. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route.

Route Options

Route 1: CT-15S and I-95S

This route covers a total distance of 101 miles and has the most scenic views, with Connecticut River blanketing the landscape all the way to the shore. Travelers from Canton will hop onto CT-15S and follow it all the way to New Haven, where they'll hit I-95S and continue to Stonington. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Route 2: CT-9S and I-95S

Route 2 is the shortest route, covering a total of 95 miles from Canton to Stonington. This route is best for those who want to minimize the amount of time spent on the road. Travelers will take CT-9S to Newington first and then hit I-95S. The route takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Route 3: I-84W and I-691W

This route is the least recommended as it has a total distance of 134 miles, making it the longest of the three routes. However, it's an option for those who want to drive through rolling hills to reach the shore. Travelers will start by driving through Farmington and Bristol, before hitting I-691W near Meriden. They will then join I-91S and connect back to I-95S which leads to Stonington. This route takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Gas Prices and Cost Estimation

Before selecting the best route, it’s important to consider the gas prices as this will have a significant impact on the cost of the trip. According to AAA's fuel gauge report, the current gas prices in Connecticut average $2.87 per gallon (as of May 2021). Based on this information, let's estimate how much each route will cost.

Route 1 Cost Estimation

Based on the 101-mile travel distance of Route 1, a typical passenger vehicle with a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) would consume 4.04 gallons of fuel. A full tank would cost approximately $11.62 per 25 miles. Therefore, the total estimated cost for Route 1 would cost around $46.90.

Route 2 Cost Estimation

With a road distance of 95 miles, Route 2 has a cheaper fuel cost than Route 1. A typical passenger vehicle with a fuel economy of 25 mpg would consume 3.8 gallons of fuel. A full tank would cost approximately $11.62 per 25 miles, and the total estimated cost for Route 2 would be around $44.16.

Route 3 Cost Estimation

Route 3's total distance is 134 miles, which means that it has the highest fuel cost of the three routes. A typical passenger vehicle with a fuel economy of 25 mpg would consume about 5.36 gallons of fuel, costing around $15.45 per tank per 25 miles. Therefore, the cost estimate for Route 3 would cost around $82.75, making it the most expensive of the three routes.

Note: Fuel expenses may vary based on the vehicle's fuel efficiency, traffic conditions, weather, and other factors. Therefore, these figures are estimates, and actual fuel costs for a trip may differ.

Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance estimates for each route, we recommend Route 2. It has a shorter distance, cheaper fuel cost, and can take less time when compared to the other two routes. Moreover, it's an efficient and direct route, minimizing the time spent on the road, allowing one more time for the trip's activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between Canton and Stonington in Connecticut can be adventurous, but it’s essential to consider the cost of travel. With the current fuel prices, Route 2 is the most cost-effective route, while Route 3, the longest, could quickly escalate your travel expenses. Ultimately, the best route would depend on the traveler's preference, distance, time, and travel budget. Regardless of the chosen route, exploring the state's natural beauty will certainly make the trip enriching and rewarding.