Driving from Dover to Lowell: A Cost Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a trip from Dover to Lowell, Massachusetts? Whether it's for a special occasion, a visit to family, or simply exploring, understanding the costs associated with your drive can help you plan accordingly. In this blog post, we’ll break down the costs based on current gas prices and highlight the different routes you can take. Let’s hit the road!
Route 1: Interstate 95 and Route 3
One of the most popular routes from Dover to Lowell is via Interstate 95 and Route 3. Here’s what you need to know:
- Distance: Approximately 30 miles
- Time: About 40 minutes without heavy traffic
- Gas Prices: The current average gas price in Massachusetts is around $3.50 per gallon.
Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you would need 1.2 gallons of gas for this trip. Therefore, the total cost for gas would be around $4.20.
Additionally, this route doesn’t incur any tolls, making it a budget-friendly option!
Route 2: Interstate 90 and I-95
Another option is to take Interstate 90 (Mass Pike) and then connect to I-95. This route may add a little extra time, but it could be worth it depending on traffic conditions:
- Distance: Roughly 35 miles
- Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Gas Prices: Sticking with the same average around $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle mileage is the same (25 MPG), you’d require 1.4 gallons of gas for this route, costing about $4.90.
However, be prepared for tolls on the Mass Pike. Depending on where you enter and exit, expect to pay anywhere between $3.00 to $5.50 in tolls. This puts your total cost at around $7.90 to $10.40 for gas and tolls combined.
Route 3: Route 128 and Route 3
A scenic alternative is to take Route 128 and then merge on Route 3. This is a lovely drive that offers some picturesque views of Massachusetts.
- Distance: Around 32 miles
- Time: Typically 45 minutes
- Gas Prices: Again, at $3.50 per gallon, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency requires approximately 1.3 gallons of gas, translating to about $4.55.
Tolls on this route are usually minimal, depending on your specific exits, averaging around $2.50. So, your total cost for this trip would be roughly $7.05.
Final Thoughts
Driving from Dover to Lowell can be both enjoyable and affordable, especially if you consider these different routes. Whether you choose the quickest route, the most scenic one, or a mix of both, you can expect to pay between $4.20 to $10.40 depending on your path.
Take some time to plan your journey, enjoy the views, and drive safely. Happy travels!