The True Cost of Driving from Darien to West Hartford: A Current Look at Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Darien, Connecticut, to West Hartford? Whether you're visiting friends, going to work, or exploring the charming neighborhoods, it’s wise to consider the cost of your journey. As of now, let’s break down the potential routes and uncover the costs reflecting today’s gas prices!
Route 1: The I-95 N and I-84 W Path
The first route you'll likely consider is the straightforward I-95 North and then I-84 West. This route is not only popular but also provides a smooth driving experience.
- Distance: ~84 miles
- Driving Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (without heavy traffic)
- Gas Cost: Based on current gas prices at around $3.50 per gallon, and with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the trip will consume approximately 3.36 gallons of gas. Thus, your gas cost will be roughly $12.00.
- Tolls: Be prepared for a toll fee of about $3.50 when you cross the Merritt Parkway.
The total estimated cost for this route is approximately $15.50.
Route 2: The Merritt Parkway (CT-15) Option
This scenic route is perfect if you want to enjoy beautiful Connecticut views while making your way to West Hartford. It’s a little longer but well worth the extra few minutes.
- Distance: ~91 miles
- Driving Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes (traffic permitting)
- Gas Cost: With gas prices still at $3.50 per gallon, expect about 3.64 gallons for this trip, resulting in a gas expense of around $13.00.
- Tolls: The Merritt Parkway is toll-free, which is a genuine perk!
For this delightful journey along the Merritt Parkway, your total cost stands at about $13.00.
Route 3: The Route via I-91 N
For those who enjoy a mix of urban and suburban scenery, taking I-91 is an alternative to consider. While it’s more direct, traffic can sometimes slow you down.
- Distance: ~78 miles
- Driving Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes (typically)
- Gas Cost: Given the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and covering approximately 3.12 gallons, you’ll spend about $11.00 on gas.
- Tolls: This route incurs a toll of around $2.00 for users of I-91.
Therefore, the total cost for this route will be approximately $13.00.
Conclusion
As you can see, driving from Darien to West Hartford offers several routes, each with unique benefits and costs. Whether you choose the most efficient path or the scenic route through the Merritt Parkway, you can expect to pay around $13.00 to $15.50 total, depending on your choice.
Planning your route based on your budget and the experience you’re looking for will ensure you enjoy this journey while keeping the costs manageable. Happy travels!