The Cost of a Trip Between City of Binghamton, New York and Bristol, Maine

Are you planning a trip from the City of Binghamton, New York to Bristol, Maine? One crucial aspect to consider when planning a road trip is the cost, particularly the cost of gas. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two cities, highlighting the cost and distance of each option. Read on to find the best route for your journey and gain insight into how long it might take.

Route 1: Via I-88 W, I-81 N, and I-84 E - The Quick and Scenic Route

The first route option is the most direct and often preferred by travelers seeking a balance between efficiency and scenery. Starting from Binghamton, New York, you will head west on I-88 towards Syracuse. After approximately 54 miles, take the exit onto I-81 North. This will take you through Syracuse and towards the heart of New York State. Follow I-81 for around 61 miles until you reach Scranton, Pennsylvania.

From Scranton, you will merge onto I-84 East, which continues through the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. As you journey through Pennsylvania, admire the beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings. After around 92 miles on I-84, you will cross the border into New York. Continue on I-84 East for approximately 86 miles until you reach Hartford, Connecticut.

Once you pass Hartford, merge onto I-91 North towards Springfield, Massachusetts. Drive for approximately 19 miles before reaching Exit 29A, which leads to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 East) for the next 9 miles.

Finally, take Exit 4 towards West Springfield and merge onto I-91 North again. Drive for about 61 miles until you reach Exit 22 as you enter Vermont. From here, follow Route 302 East for around 15 miles and then take Route 2 East, which will guide you towards Maine. After an additional 95 miles on Route 2 East, you will arrive in the coastal town of Bristol, Maine.

Distance and Cost

The total distance for this route is approximately 475 miles, which translates to around two longer travel days. The cost of gas can vary depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. However, with an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $115 in gas for this trip.

Route 2: Via I-88 W, I-81 N, and I-95 N - The Coastal Route

If you prefer a route that takes you closer to the coast and offers scenic coastal views, this option might be ideal for you. Begin by following the same path as Route 1, starting from Binghamton, New York, and driving west on I-88 towards Syracuse. Merge onto I-81 North and continue towards Scranton, Pennsylvania, as before.

Upon reaching Scranton, instead of taking I-84 East, take the exit towards I-380 North. Drive on I-380 for approximately 18 miles until you merge onto I-84 East in Elmhurst Township. Continue on I-84 East, enjoying the scenic drive through Pennsylvania, until you reach Port Jervis.

Once you arrive in Port Jervis, take the exit onto US-6 East and drive for approximately 40 miles until the exit for I-84 East. Follow I-84 East, passing through Newburgh and Beacon before reaching Danbury, Connecticut.

From Danbury, continue on I-84 East for around 27 miles until you reach Waterbury. Here, merge onto CT-8 North towards Torrington, driving for roughly 20 miles. Afterward, take the exit onto I-84 East, leading you through the charming towns of Connecticut.

Continue on I-84 East, passing Hartford, for approximately 115 miles until you reach Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Take Exit 3B onto I-90 East (Massachusetts Turnpike) and drive for approximately 10 miles. Take the Exit 10/11 for I-290 East, which will lead you to I-495 North. After driving around 30 miles on I-495 North, you will approach the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border.

At this point, continue onto I-95 North, which will take you through New Hampshire and into Maine. Continue on I-95 North for approximately 50 miles until you reach Exit 44 for I-295 North. After driving for an additional 17 miles on I-295 North, take Exit 28A towards US-1 South/Bath/Brunswick. Follow the signs for US-1 South and drive for around 19 miles until you reach Bristol, Maine.

Distance and Cost

The total distance for this coastal route is approximately 500 miles, making it another two-day journey. With an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon and assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $120 on gas for this trip.

Route 3: Via I-88 W, US-20 W, and US-1 N - The Scenic Countryside Route

For travelers seeking a more serene and countryside-oriented drive, this third route might be the perfect choice. As with the previous routes, start from Binghamton, New York, and travel west on I-88 towards Syracuse. Merge onto I-81 North and continue towards Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Upon reaching Scranton, instead of taking I-84 East, take the exit onto US-11 North. Stay on US-11 North for approximately 14 miles until the exit for US-6 West. Follow US-6 West for around 26 miles until you reach Montrose. In Montrose, turn left onto PA-706 West and drive for approximately 19 miles until you come across the intersection with US-6 West again.

Merge onto US-6 West and continue for around 40 miles until you reach Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. At Tunkhannock, take the exit for US-29 North, continuing through scenic backroads. Drive for approximately 50 miles on US-29 North until you reach the New York border. After entering New York, continue on US-7/Lakeside Drive for around 58 miles, driving through charming small towns and picturesque landscapes.

As you approach Conneaut, New York, turn right onto NY-392 East and drive for approximately 7 miles. From here, merge onto I-86/US-20 West and continue towards the exit for US-20 West. Follow US-20 West for around 112 miles, crossing into Ohio and then re-entering Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, continue on US-20 West for an additional 17 miles until you reach Girard. Here, turn left onto Route 18 South and drive for around 18 miles until you reach the intersection with I-79 South. Merge onto I-79 South and drive for approximately 46 miles until reaching the exit onto I-90 West.

Continue on I-90 West for around 77 miles, passing through Ohio, until you reach Erie. Here, take Exit 32 onto US-6N West, following the signs for US-20 West. Drive on US-20 West for around 70 miles, enjoying the scenic countryside views, until you reach Conneaut, Ohio.

Once you are in Conneaut, Ohio, merge onto I-90 East towards Erie. Drive on I-90 East for approximately 55 miles until reaching the New York border. From here, continue on I-90 East for another 85 miles until you reach Penn Yan.

In Penn Yan, take Exit 36 and merge onto NY-14A North. Continue on NY-14A North for approximately 46 miles until you reach Geneva. In Geneva, merge onto US-20 East and drive for around 28 miles until you reach Auburn. From Auburn, continue on US-20 East for approximately 117 miles until you reach Skowhegan, Maine.

Finally, take the exit onto US-2 East and drive for around 25 miles until you reach a junction with US-201 North. Merge onto US-201 North and drive for the final 37 miles until you reach Bristol, Maine.

Distance and Cost

The total distance for this scenic countryside route is approximately 710 miles, making it the longest of the three options and requiring at least three travel days. The estimated gas cost for this route, assuming an average price of $2.89 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, amounts to around $180.

Conclusion

After exploring the three different routes between the City of Binghamton, New York, and Bristol, Maine, it is evident that each option offers unique experiences and scenery. Route 1, the Quick and Scenic Route, spans 475 miles and costs approximately $115 for gas. Route 2, the Coastal Route, covers around 500 miles and requires an estimated gas expenditure of $120. Finally, Route 3, the Scenic Countryside Route, spans the longest distance of approximately 710 miles and costs around $180 for gas.

While Route 3 might provide a more serene and countryside-oriented drive, it demands more travel time and gas expenses compared to the other options. If time is a concern, the Quick and Scenic Route (Route 1) becomes the recommended choice, offering a good balance between distance, scenery, and gas costs.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to plan your trip well in advance, consider possible detours, and stay up to date with current gas prices along your journey. Safe travels!