The Cost of a Trip Between Canton, Connecticut and Wilbraham, Massachusetts in the Age of Gas Price Fluctuations
Taking a road trip in New England is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of nature and the charm of its small towns. Canton, Connecticut, and Wilbraham, Massachusetts are two such towns that are conveniently located near each other, making them perfect for a weekend getaway. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, you must consider the cost of the trip as fuel prices continue to fluctuate. This article aims to help you navigate the various routes and provides information on gas prices, distance, and travel time.
Possible Routes
There are two main routes to travel between Canton and Wilbraham, namely Route 44 and Route 20. Let's take a closer look at each of them:
Route 44
- Distance: 35.6 miles
- Travel Time: 48 minutes, according to Google Maps
- Gas Stations: There are several gas stations along the way, including a Citgo in Canton, a Sunoco in Avon, a Shell in Simsbury, and a Mobil in Granby.
- Estimated Fuel Costs: Using an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon on a car that requires regular gasoline ($2.994 per gallon as of July 2021), this route's estimated fuel cost is $17.96 for a one-way trip.
Route 20
- Distance: 31.6 miles
- Travel Time: 45 minutes, according to Google Maps
- Gas Stations: There are several gas stations along the way, including a Citgo in East Granby, a Shell in East Granby, and a Sunoco in Wilbraham.
- Estimated Fuel Costs: Using an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon on a car that requires regular gasoline ($2.994 per gallon as of July 2021), this route's estimated fuel cost is $16.16 for a one-way trip.
Cost Comparisons
From the above information, we can see that the estimated fuel cost for Route 44 is slightly higher than Route 20. The difference in fuel cost is due to the extra 4 miles you would travel on Route 44. However, the estimated travel time is shorter on Route 44 than on Route 20. Therefore, you may wish to choose the route based on your preference and how much time you have to travel.
It is also important to note that gas prices are subject to change continuously. Therefore, the above estimates are based on the gas prices as of July 2021. It is advisable to check the current fuel prices at the gas stations along your chosen route before embarking on a road trip.
Recommended Route
Based on the above information, it is recommended to take Route 20 when traveling from Canton to Wilbraham since it is slightly shorter and thus less expensive. Nevertheless, the trade-off is that it is slightly longer than Route 44 in terms of travel time.
Additionally, while the difference may not be significant enough to make a difference, we must consider the environmental impact of the additional four miles one would travel via Route 44. Taking the shorter route could ultimately reduce one's carbon footprint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are two main routes to travel between Canton, Connecticut and Wilbraham, Massachusetts: Route 44 and Route 20. The estimated fuel cost for Route 44 is higher but the travel time is shorter, while the estimated fuel cost for Route 20 is slightly cheaper but the travel time is slightly longer. Therefore, it is recommended to take Route 20 when traveling between the two towns due to the lower fuel cost. Nevertheless, one should always consider the environmental impact when making travel decisions. The estimated travel time between both towns should be approximately 45 minutes.