Costs and Routes: A Road Trip from Derry, New Hampshire to Hanover, Massachusetts
Planning a road trip from Derry, New Hampshire to Hanover, Massachusetts? Understanding the costs associated with the journey, especially given current gas prices, is a smart way to budget for your adventure. This article breaks down various routes, their distances, estimated fuel costs, and ultimately recommends the best path for your trip.
Current Gas Prices and Fuel Costs
Before diving into the routes, let’s first take a look at current gas prices, as they play a significant role in calculating your trip's overall cost. As of now, gas prices in New England average around $3.50 per gallon. For the sake of this analysis, we will assume your vehicle's fuel efficiency averages 25 miles per gallon (mpg).
Fuel Cost Calculation
The distance from Derry to Hanover is approximately 60 miles, depending on the chosen route. To estimate your fuel costs:
Calculate Total Gallons Needed: [ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} \ \text = \frac{60 \text}{25 \text} = 2.4 \text ]
Calculate Total Fuel Cost: [ \text = \text \times \text \ \text = 2.4 \text \times 3.50 \text{ (per gallon)} = 8.40 ]
From this calculation, you can see that a one-way trip from Derry to Hanover would cost approximately $8.40 in fuel.
Route Options
Choosing a route requires considering both distance and traffic conditions. Let’s explore three primary routes:
Route 1: I-93 South and I-89 South
- Distance: 63 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Details: Head south on Route 28 to join I-93 south. Continue on I-93 until you reach the interchange with I-89 South toward Concord. Follow I-89 until you reach Exit 2 towards Hanover.
Cost Breakdown:
- Total Fuel Requirement: 2.52 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: $8.82
Route 2: NH-101 East and I-89 South
- Distance: 64 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Details: Start by taking NH-101 East, merging into I-89 south towards Concord and finally getting off at Exit 2 toward Hanover.
Cost Breakdown:
- Total Fuel Requirement: 2.56 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: $8.96
Route 3: US-3 South
- Distance: 65 miles
- Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Details: This route takes you through scenic areas, starting from Derry and heading onto US-3 South. The journey offers beautiful landscapes but can be hampered with more stops due to small towns along the way.
Cost Breakdown:
- Total Fuel Requirement: 2.6 gallons
- Total Fuel Cost: $9.10
Summary of Costs and Distances
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time | Total Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-93 South and I-89 South | 63 | 1 hour 10 mins | $8.82 |
| NH-101 East and I-89 South | 64 | 1 hour 15 mins | $8.96 |
| US-3 South | 65 | 1 hour 20 mins | $9.10 |
Recommended Route
Based on distance, time, and fuel costs, the recommended route from Derry to Hanover, MA is via I-93 South and I-89 South. This route, while not the longest, offers a balance of efficiency and speed, making it the best choice for both time and cost-effectiveness. Not only does it take you to your destination in just over an hour, but it also keeps your fuel expenses lower than the other routes explored.
Additional Considerations
While planning your trip, consider potential costs beyond just fuel. These can include tolls, food and drink costs, and possible accommodation if you intend to make this a longer adventure. If you’re traveling during peak hours, also account for glitches in traffic that might cause delays, impacting fuel efficiency and time.
Moreover, using a GPS or mapping application such as Google Maps can provide real-time traffic information and updates, which could help you adjust your route to avoid congested areas and save both time and money.
Conclusion
The journey from Derry, NH to Hanover, MA encompasses approximately 60 to 65 miles, depending on your chosen route. Selecting the route via I-93 South and I-89 South proves to be cost-efficient, with a total fuel expense of about $8.82 and a travel time of roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes. Having a good understanding of the costs associated with your trip allows you to enjoy the drive without worrying about expenses. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!