Understanding the Cost of a Trip Between Derry, New Hampshire and Billerica, Massachusetts: A Gas Price Perspective
Are you planning a trip from Derry, New Hampshire, to Billerica, Massachusetts? Whether you're commuting for work, visiting friends, or exploring the beautiful New England area, knowing the cost of your trip—especially with fluctuating gas prices—can help you budget effectively. Here, we’ll analyze the various routes available, their distances, and estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices.
Current Gas Prices
Before stepping into route details, let’s examine the current fuel prices. As of now, the average gas price in New England hovers around $3.20 per gallon. This price can vary slightly depending on specific locations and stations, but using this average will give us a solid basis for our calculations.
Route Options
When traveling from Derry, NH, to Billerica, MA, you have several route options. We'll break down the most common routes by distance and cost.
Route 1: I-93 S and I-495 N
Distance: Approximately 27 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 35 minutes (without heavy traffic)
This route primarily utilizes Interstate 93 South to Interstate 495 North. It is the most straightforward route, ideal for those looking to minimize driving time and distance.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- MPG Estimate: Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon.
- Total Gallons Needed: 27 miles / 25 mpg = 1.08 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 1.08 gallons * $3.20/gallon ≈ $3.46
Route 2: NH-102 W and MA-3 S
Distance: Approximately 30 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 40 minutes (subject to traffic)
This route takes you along New Hampshire Route 102 West, transitioning onto Route 3 South after crossing the border into Massachusetts. If you prefer driving through a more scenic area, this route showcases rural landscapes before hitting highways.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- MPG Estimate: 25 miles per gallon
- Total Gallons Needed: 30 miles / 25 mpg = 1.2 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 1.2 gallons * $3.20/gallon ≈ $3.84
Route 3: I-93 S and MA-3A S
Distance: Approximately 28 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 37 minutes (without heavy traffic)
This route is another viable option that takes you from Derry to I-93 South, leading you to Route 3A South. This route is relatively simple, primarily sticking to highways.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- MPG Estimate: 25 miles per gallon
- Total Gallons Needed: 28 miles / 25 mpg = 1.12 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: 1.12 gallons * $3.20/gallon ≈ $3.58
Route 4: Local Roads (via Route 28)
Distance: Approximately 25 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes (traffic-dependent)
This route relies less on highways and more on local roads. Starting on Route 28, it wends through suburban neighborhoods and scenic areas. While you might avoid highway stress, the increased stops can lead to longer travel times.
Estimated Fuel Cost:
- MPG Estimate: 25 miles per gallon
- Total Gallons Needed: 25 miles / 25 mpg = 1 gallon
- Total Fuel Cost: 1 gallon * $3.20/gallon = $3.20
Summary of Route Options
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-93 S and I-495 N | 27 | 35 minutes | $3.46 |
| NH-102 W and MA-3 S | 30 | 40 minutes | $3.84 |
| I-93 S and MA-3A S | 28 | 37 minutes | $3.58 |
| Local Roads (Route 28) | 25 | 45 minutes | $3.20 |
Recommended Route
While each route possesses its unique elements and benefits, Route 1: I-93 S and I-495 N stands out as the best option for most travelers. It strikes the perfect balance between distance and time, providing a quicker and cost-effective journey with an estimated fuel cost similar to the more time-consuming local road options.
Travelers seeking a reliable highway route with minimal surprises will appreciate the efficiency of this major thoroughfare. Moreover, the traffic conditions on I-93 are typically manageable, especially outside rush hours, making it a favorable choice.
Conclusion
Traveling from Derry, New Hampshire, to Billerica, Massachusetts offers various routes, all with their unique attributes. In approximately 35 minutes, you can arrive at your destination using the recommended route via I-93 S and I-495 N, with an estimated cost of around $3.46 for fuel. Whether you choose the quicker highways or the scenic local roads, careful planning will always enhance your road trip experience, allowing for an enjoyable venture across state lines.