The Cost of Driving From Albany, NY to Portland, ME: Exploring Different Routes

Are you planning a road trip from Albany, New York to Portland, Maine? Before hitting the road, it's essential to understand the cost of driving, as it can significantly impact your travel budget. In this blog post, we'll explore several routes, their distances, estimated travel times, and the associated costs based on current gas prices. So buckle up and let's dive in!

Route 1: The Scenic Throughway (I-90 and I-95)

Distance: 344 miles | Travel Time: 5 hours | Gas Price: $2.70 per gallon

For those who want to experience the scenic beauty of upstate New York and coastal Maine, this is the route for you. Start your journey by taking I-90 East from Albany, which offers picturesque views of the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires. After about 220 miles, you'll reach the junction with I-95 North, where you'll continue your drive towards Portland.

Gas Cost: $85
Considering the average mileage of a car being around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 14 gallons of gas for this route. At a gas price of $2.70 per gallon, the total cost of gas for the trip will be around $85.

Toll Cost: $12
Keep in mind that using the New York State Thruway (I-90) incurs a toll fee. The total toll cost for this route is approximately $12.

Route 2: The Efficient Expressway (I-87 and I-295)

Distance: 314 miles | Travel Time: 4.5 hours | Gas Price: $2.70 per gallon

If you prefer a quicker route with fewer tolls and a slightly shorter distance, this option might suit you better. Begin by taking I-87 North from Albany, which connects you directly to I-295 North near Brunswick, Maine. This route offers a relatively straightforward drive, passing through scenic parts of Upstate New York.

Gas Cost: $80
With a distance of approximately 314 miles and an average fuel consumption of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 13 gallons of gas for this route. At a gas price of $2.70 per gallon, your estimated gas cost for this journey is roughly $80.

Toll Cost: $7
While this route does involve fewer tolls than Route 1, there is still a toll fee on the New York State Thruway (I-87). The total toll cost for this route is approximately $7.

Route 3: The Coastal Route (US-1 and I-495)

Distance: 360 miles | Travel Time: 6 hours | Gas Price: $2.70 per gallon

For those seeking a mix of coastal scenery and charming small towns, this route along US-1 is worth considering. Begin by taking US-20 East from Albany, then head northward on US-1 in Massachusetts. After reaching Portsmouth, NH, merge onto I-495 North, which will lead you to Portland.

Gas Cost: $95
The distance of this route is roughly 360 miles, requiring around 15 gallons of gas with an average car mileage of 25 miles per gallon. With gas priced at $2.70 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $95 for fuel on this journey.

Toll Cost: $9
While this route avoids major toll roads, there is a small toll to cross the Piscataqua River Bridge into Maine. The toll fee for this route is approximately $9.

Before hitting the open road, it's crucial to factor in additional costs like meals, accommodations, and unexpected expenses. However, by calculating the estimated costs for gas and tolls, you can now better plan your budget for a fantastic road trip from Albany, NY to Portland, ME. Safe travels and enjoy your adventure!

Note: The prices mentioned in this post are based on approximate values and subject to change. Be sure to check real-time gas prices and toll fees before embarking on your journey.