The Cost of Driving from Dudley, Massachusetts to Tenafly, New Jersey: Navigating Your Journey Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be both exciting and a little daunting, especially when it comes to budgeting for fuel and tolls. If you’re considering a drive from Dudley, Massachusetts, to Tenafly, New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore a few different routes and break down the costs associated with your trip based on current gas prices.
Route 1: Direct via I-84 and I-684
One of the most straightforward routes is to take I-84 and I-684. This gives you a nice mix of highway travel and scenic views.
- Distance: Approximately 160 miles
- Estimated Time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Cost Breakdown
Considering gas prices sit around $3.50 per gallon, and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to use about 6.4 gallons of fuel for this route. Multiplying the gallons needed by the gas price gives you a fuel cost of $22.40.
Moreover, if you plan to take I-684, there’s a small toll involved which is approximately $4.50. So, your total cost for this route would be:
- Fuel Cost: $22.40
- Toll Cost: $4.50
- Total Cost for Route 1: $26.90
Route 2: Scenic through the Merritt Parkway
If you’re up for a little adventure, consider taking the Merritt Parkway. This route offers beautiful views of the Connecticut countryside.
- Distance: Approximately 175 miles
- Estimated Time: About 3 hours and 15 minutes
Cost Breakdown
With gas prices still at $3.50 per gallon, and your vehicle’s fuel economy at 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 7 gallons for this route. This brings your fuel cost to approximately $24.50.
The Merritt Parkway does not have a major toll for most of the route, but there may be small tolls on the New York side. Let's budget around $5.00 for those. Therefore, your total cost for this more scenic journey would be:
- Fuel Cost: $24.50
- Toll Cost: $5.00
- Total Cost for Route 2: $29.50
Route 3: Scenic, Longer Route via I-495 and I-95
For those who wish to enjoy longer drives along highways that cut through various landscapes, this route via I-495 and I-95 is ideal.
- Distance: Approximately 200 miles
- Estimated Time: Roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes
Cost Breakdown
Using the same fuel price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to consume about 8 gallons on this route, leading to a fuel cost of $28.00.
Additionally, considering the potential tolls along I-95, let’s budget around $10.00 for those tolls, which brings your total trip cost for this longer and more leisurely drive to:
- Fuel Cost: $28.00
- Toll Cost: $10.00
- Total Cost for Route 3: $38.00
Final Thoughts
When planning your drive from Dudley, Massachusetts, to Tenafly, New Jersey, you have several options, each with its own scenic views and costs. Based on the routes we discussed:
- Route 1: $26.90
- Route 2: $29.50
- Route 3: $38.00
Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize cost, time, or scenic views. Whatever route you choose, enjoy your journey and safe travels!