The Cost of a Trip between Watervliet, New York and Worcester, Massachusetts based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a trip from Watervliet, New York to Worcester, Massachusetts? One of the key factors to consider while estimating the budget for your journey is the cost of transportation. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes between these two cities and highlight the associated costs and distances. With gasoline prices fluctuating, our analysis will be based on current gas prices to provide you with an accurate estimate. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which route offers the best balance of cost and distance.

Route 1: New York State Thruway and Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90)

One possible route to consider for your trip is taking the New York State Thruway (I-87) and then connecting to the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). This route takes you through various cities and offers a mix of toll roads and non-toll sections.

Cost Analysis

Let's break down the cost of this route. Starting from Watervliet, you will be driving approximately 36 miles on I-787 South to reach the New York State Thruway (I-87) entrance. As of the current gas prices, the average price per gallon in New York is $2.70. Assuming your vehicle's gas mileage is around 25 miles per gallon, you will need to cover about 128 miles to reach Worcester from Watervliet via this route.

At the approximate midpoint of your journey, you will reach a toll plaza on the New York State Thruway. The toll fare for passenger cars on this section is $2.50. Continuing on the Thruway, you will eventually reach the exit for the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). The toll on the Massachusetts Turnpike for passenger cars is $7.70. Finally, after driving on I-90 for about 75 miles, you will arrive in Worcester.

To calculate the cost of gas for this route, divide the total distance of 128 miles by your vehicle's mileage, which is 25 mpg. The result is 5.12 gallons of gas required for the trip. Multiplying this by the gas price of $2.70 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas alone for this route is around $13.84. When combined with the toll fares of $10.20, the total cost for this route comes to approximately $24.04.

Route 2: Massachusetts Route 2 and Massachusetts Route 122

Another option for your trip is taking Massachusetts Route 2 and Massachusetts Route 122. This route provides a scenic drive through smaller towns and fewer toll roads.

Cost Analysis

Starting from Watervliet, you will head east and drive approximately 144 miles on I-90 East to reach Exit 4 in Lee, Massachusetts. On I-90, you will encounter tolls before reaching the Massachusetts state line, with a fee of $2.50 for passenger cars. At Exit 4, you will exit I-90 and connect to Massachusetts Route 102 North.

Next, you will continue on Massachusetts Route 102 North for approximately 25 miles until you reach the junction with Massachusetts Route 7 North in Stockbridge. Take a left onto Massachusetts Route 7 North and drive for around 36 miles until you reach the junction with Massachusetts Route 9 East in Pittsfield.

Turn right onto Massachusetts Route 9 East and continue for approximately 46 miles until you reach the junction with Massachusetts Route 32 North in Ware. Take a left onto Massachusetts Route 32 North and proceed for about 32 miles until you reach another junction, this time with Massachusetts Route 122 North in Petersham.

Finally, take a right onto Massachusetts Route 122 North and drive for approximately 20 miles to reach Worcester.

For the cost analysis, we will consider the toll fee at the beginning of this route and the estimated fuel cost for the total distance covered. The total distance on this route is around 185 miles. Taking into account the average gas price of $2.70 per gallon and your vehicle's mileage of 25 mpg, the estimated fuel cost for this route is approximately $19.44. Adding the initial toll fee of $2.50, the total cost for this route equates to approximately $21.94.

Route 3: I-90 East and I-495 South

Our next possible route is taking I-90 East and then connecting to I-495 South. This route combines interstate highways and is a popular choice for commuters and travelers.

Cost Analysis

Starting from Watervliet, you will drive approximately 144 miles on I-90 East to reach Exit 4 in Lee, Massachusetts, just as in Route 2. You will encounter the same tolls on I-90.

After reaching Exit 4, you will exit I-90 and take Massachusetts Route 102 North, as in Route 2. However, instead of continuing on Massachusetts Route 7, you will continue straight onto US-20 East towards Westfield. Drive for approximately 8 miles until you reach the junction with I-91 South.

Take the ramp onto I-91 South and proceed for around 20 miles until you reach Exit 14 in Holyoke. At Exit 14, take the ramp to merge onto I-90 East towards Boston.

Next, drive on I-90 East for approximately 50 miles until you reach Exit 10 in Auburn. At Exit 10, connect to I-290 East towards Worcester. Drive for about 10 miles on I-290 East, and you will reach your destination in Worcester.

Considering the total distance covered on this route, which is approximately 154 miles, and the same average gas price and mileage per gallon as used in the previous calculations, the estimated fuel cost for this route is around $16.32. As there are no tolls on this part of I-90 and I-290, the total cost for this route is only the fuel cost of approximately $16.32.

Recommendation: Route 3 (I-90 East and I-495 South)

Based on the cost analysis, Route 3, which involves taking I-90 East and then connecting to I-495 South, appears to be the most cost-effective route. With a total cost of approximately $16.32 and a total distance of 154 miles, this route provides a favorable balance between economical travel and a reasonable travel time.

Route 3 also offers the advantage of mostly highway driving, which means you can maintain a consistent speed and potentially complete your journey more quickly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Watervliet, New York and Worcester, Massachusetts depends on the route you choose. Based on current gas prices, we analyzed three potential routes: the New York State Thruway and Massachusetts Turnpike combination, Massachusetts Route 2 and Massachusetts Route 122, and I-90 East and I-495 South. While each route offers its own advantages and scenic opportunities, Route 3 (I-90 East and I-495 South) stands out as the most cost-effective option with a total cost of approximately $16.32. Furthermore, Route 3 offers mostly highway driving, which allows for efficient and timely travel. Enjoy your trip and safe travels!