The Cost of Your Road Trip: Center Harbor, NH to Portland, ME

If you're planning a road trip to Portland, ME from Center Harbor, NH, there are a few different routes to consider. Each comes with its own distance and cost, thanks to the fluctuating prices of fuel. So before you take off down the highway, have a good sense of each of these routes, and which one may be the most economical for your budget.

Route 1: The Most Direct Route

The first, and most direct, route would be to take Route 25 across to Maine, which then turns into US-302. Follow 302 for about 18 miles, and you'll end up on I-95 South, which will take you straight to Portland. The total distance for this path is approximately 90 miles. In terms of cost, if your vehicle gets 25 miles to the gallon, with a national average of $3.00 per gallon of gas, you could expect to spend about $11.25 in fuel.

Route 2: The Scenic Route (and Cheapest!)

Another option would be to take a more scenic route, which would take you through a few quaint Maine towns, including seacoast Portsmouth. Start by taking Route 25 again, but instead of heading directly onto US-302, turn left onto Route 5 in Fryeburg. This will lead you through charming small towns like Bridgton and Naples before you hit ME-35 and ME-22 South. You'll then reach US-1, which you can follow all the way up to Portland. The total distance of this route is about 106 miles. However, because you won't be on the highway the entire time, you may save some money on gas. At the current estimate of $3.00 per gallon and a 25 mpg vehicle, this route will only cost you about $12.50 in fuel.

Route 3: Highway All the Way

Finally, if you're interested in just getting to your destination as quickly as possible, you can stick to the highways. Take Route 25 to Route 16 North, then get onto US-302 East. This will take you to the Maine Turnpike, which you can follow North to Portland. This is the longest route, with a total distance of 114 miles. With a 25 mpg car and the $3.00 per gallon gas price, that'll cost you about $13.50 in fuel.

Conclusion

While the different routes are all relatively close in distance, the most direct route will save you a bit of money on gas compared to the other two options. However, the scenic route will barely cost you more than the direct route and could offer you a more enjoyable drive. All of the routes are easily accessible and have their own interesting features as well. The best route will depend on how much time you have and your personal preferences. Regardless of which route you choose, with estimated travel times of only around two hours, you'll be able to make it to Portland in no time!