The Cost of a Trip: White Plains, NY to New London, CT

When planning a trip from White Plains, New York to New London, Connecticut, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost. In addition to road tolls and potential traffic, the price of gas is a crucial component to calculating the total cost of the journey. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to assess the most cost-effective route for the trip. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between these two cities, compare the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes one can take when driving from White Plains to New London. The most common routes include taking I-95 North, I-287 East to I-95 North, or I-684 North to I-84 East and to I-95 South. Each route has its own considerations in terms of distance, tolls, and potential traffic.

I-95 North

The most direct and commonly traveled route from White Plains to New London is to take I-95 North. This route spans approximately 97 miles and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, it is important to note that this route includes various tolls, which can significantly increase the cost of the trip.

I-287 East to I-95 North

Another possible route is to take I-287 East to I-95 North. While this route adds a bit of distance to the trip, it may potentially help to avoid heavy traffic depending on the time of day. However, it does involve tolls and can take about 2 hours in total.

I-684 North to I-84 East to I-95 South

For a more scenic route, one can take I-684 North to I-84 East and to I-95 South. This route is the longest of the three, spanning approximately 118 miles and taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This route also includes tolls, but it may provide a more relaxing drive with less traffic.

Cost and Distance Comparison

To compare the cost and distance of each route, we'll use the current average gas price in this region, which is $3.00 per gallon. We'll also consider the potential tolls along each route.

I-95 North

Based on the distance of 97 miles and an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon for most cars, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $11.64 each way. In addition to the gas cost, drivers should also be prepared for tolls along I-95, which can add an extra $10-$15 to the overall cost of the trip.

I-287 East to I-95 North

Taking I-287 East to I-95 North, the distance is slightly longer at around 102 miles, resulting in a gas cost of approximately $12.24 each way. Tolls along this route can also amount to an additional $10-$15.

I-684 North to I-84 East to I-95 South

For the route via I-684 North to I-84 East to I-95 South, the longer distance of 118 miles would result in a gas cost of approximately $14.16 each way. Like the other routes, tolls along this route can also add an extra $10-$15 to the overall cost.

Recommendation

Given the cost and distance comparison, taking I-95 North appears to be the most cost-effective route. While it has tolls and may have some traffic, the shorter distance and lower gas cost make it the best option for those looking to save on their trip from White Plains to New London.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when factoring in gas prices and potential tolls, the most cost-effective route from White Plains, NY to New London, CT is to take I-95 North. With an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon and considering the distance and potential tolls, this route proves to be the most economical option for travelers. By taking this route, drivers can expect to spend around $25-$30 on gas and tolls for the round trip, and the journey will take approximately 3.5 hours in total. With this information in mind, travelers can plan their trip accordingly and budget for the cost of transportation.