The Cost of a Trip from Dunstable, Massachusetts to New Ipswich, New Hampshire Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between Dunstable, Massachusetts, and New Ipswich, New Hampshire, can be both enjoyable and economical, especially when you understand the costs involved and select the best route. This article will explore different routes available, analyze their distances and associated costs based on current gas prices, and make a recommendation for the most efficient route.

Understanding Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Massachusetts is around $3.40 per gallon. This price can vary slightly depending on the location within the state and the choices of gas stations. For this trip, we will generally assume that your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, a common fuel efficiency for many sedans and compact SUVs.

Route Options

When planning your trip from Dunstable to New Ipswich, you have a few viable options to choose from. The most common routes include Route 3 and an alternative via Route 113 and Route 31. Let's break down these routes in detail.

Route 1: Via Route 3

Distance: Approximately 22 miles
Estimated Time: 30 minutes (without significant traffic delays)
Cost of Gas:

1. The distance from Dunstable via Route 3 to New Ipswich measures around 22 miles.
2. To calculate the fuel cost:
   [ \text = \frac{22 \text}{25 \text} \approx 0.88 \text ] Using the current gas price: [ \text = 0.88 \text \times $3.40 \text \approx $2.99 ]

Route 2: Via Routes 113 and 31

Distance: Approximately 23 miles
Estimated Time: 35 minutes (without significant traffic delays)
Cost of Gas:

1. This route slightly extends the distance to 23 miles.
2. The fuel cost would be calculated as follows:
   [ \text = \frac{23 \text}{25 \text} \approx 0.92 \text ] The total fuel cost comes to:
   [ \text = 0.92 \text \times $3.40 \text \approx $3.13 ]

Route 3: Route 113 (Direct Option)

Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Estimated Time: 30 minutes (without significant traffic delays)
Cost of Gas:

1. This route is the most direct option at 20 miles.
2. Calculating the fuel cost:
   [ \text = \frac{20 \text}{25 \text} = 0.80 \text ] Using the current gas price:
   [ \text = 0.80 \text \times $3.40 \text \approx $2.72 ]

Summary of Costs and Distances

Here’s a summary table comparing the three routes:

Route	Distance (miles)	Estimated Time	Cost of Gas
Route 1: Via Route 3	22	30 mins	$2.99
Route 2: Via Routes 113 & 31	23	35 mins	$3.13
Route 3: Route 113 (Direct)	20	30 mins	$2.72

Best Route Recommendation

After evaluating the distance, estimated time, and cost for each route, Route 3 (via Route 113) stands out as the best option. This route is the shortest at 20 miles, takes approximately 30 minutes, and has the lowest gas cost of around $2.72. Choosing this route not only helps you save money but also minimizes your time on the road, making it an ideal choice for most travelers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the trip from Dunstable, Massachusetts, to New Ipswich, New Hampshire, provides various routing options, with costs reflecting the current gas prices. The best route is the most direct one via Route 113, allowing you to cover a distance of about 20 miles in around 30 minutes and costing approximately $2.72 in gas. Enjoy your journey while keeping an eye on your fuel expenses!