The Cost of Driving From Chicopee to Somerville based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Chicopee, Massachusetts to Somerville, Massachusetts? Before hitting the road, it's essential to calculate the approximate cost of your journey. Gas prices and toll fees can significantly impact your budget. In this blog post, we will explore different routes, their distances, travel times, and the associated costs. So buckle up and let's dive in!
Route 1: I-90 E and I-291 E (The Quickest Route)
If you're looking for the fastest way to reach Somerville, this route is for you. Take I-90 E from Chicopee and merge onto I-291 E towards Springfield. This road will lead you straight to Somerville. The distance between Chicopee and Somerville is approximately 93 miles, with an estimated travel time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Considering the current gas prices, let's assume your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg). With the distance being 93 miles, you'll need approximately 3.72 gallons of gas for this route. At the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total cost of fuel for this route amounts to $9.30.
Additionally, please be aware that there are no tolls associated with this particular route. So you can enjoy a smooth ride without any extra charges!
Route 2: US-202 N (The Scenic Route)
If you prefer a more picturesque journey, taking the US-202 N is an excellent choice. This route will take you through charming towns and gorgeous landscapes. Start by heading north from Chicopee on US-202 N. You'll travel through Pelham, Amherst, and Montague before reaching Somerville. The total distance covered on this route is approximately 102 miles, which might take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
Using our previous assumption of a vehicle that averages 25 mpg, you'll need about 4.08 gallons of gas for this trip. Considering the current gas price mentioned earlier, the estimated cost of fuel for this route comes to $10.20.
On this route, there are a few tolls to consider. After traveling around 65 miles, you'll encounter a toll plaza at Westfield. The current toll price for passenger cars passing through this plaza is $1.70. When traveling further on US-202 N, another toll plaza awaits at Worcester, costing $1.45. Thus, in addition to fuel costs, you'll need to set aside an extra $3.15 for toll expenses.
Route 3: I-90 E and US-20 E (The Middle Ground)
If you're searching for a balance between travel time and picturesque scenery, this route is worth considering. Begin your journey by taking I-90 E from Chicopee and then merge onto US-20 E towards Boston. This route will take you through beautiful towns like Palmer and Sturbridge before reaching Somerville. The total distance on this route is approximately 99 miles, and you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 50 minutes driving.
Based on our earlier assumption of 25 mpg, you'll require approximately 3.96 gallons of gas for this trip. Calculating the fuel cost at the current gas price, the total expense for this route amounts to $9.90.
As for tolls, following I-90 E, you'll encounter the same toll plaza at Westfield as mentioned in Route 2, with the same toll price of $1.70. However, since you'll then be traveling on US-20 E, there are no additional tolls to consider. Therefore, your total toll expenses for this route will be $1.70.
Conclusion
Regardless of which route you choose, driving from Chicopee to Somerville offers a fantastic opportunity to explore scenic landscapes and vibrant towns. The approximate cost of your trip will vary based on gas prices, distance, and toll fees. Below, you can find a summary of the costs for each route:
Route 1 (I-90 E and I-291 E):
Distance: 93 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Gas Cost: $9.30
Tolls: $0.00Route 2 (US-202 N):
Distance: 102 miles
Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Gas Cost: $10.20
Tolls: $3.15Route 3 (I-90 E and US-20 E):
Distance: 99 miles
Travel Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Gas Cost: $9.90
Tolls: $1.70
Now armed with this information on costs and routes, you can make an informed decision for your next road trip. Safe travels, and enjoy your time exploring Somerville!