The True Cost of Driving: Dunstable, MA to West Hartford, CT in 2023
Planning a trip from Dunstable, Massachusetts to West Hartford, Connecticut? Great choice! Whether you’re visiting family, heading to a business meeting, or just exploring, understanding the costs involved can help you budget effectively. Let's break down the expenses based on current gas prices and tolls so you can make an informed decision for your journey.
Route 1: The Quickest Way via I-84
First off, the quickest path involves taking I-84. This route measures approximately 75 miles and will typically take about 1 hour and 30 minutes in good traffic.
Now, let's talk about the costs. With gas prices hovering around $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle averages about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 3 gallons of gas for this trip. So, the gas cost would be around $10.50.
As for tolls, you’ll encounter around $2.50 in tolls on this route. Adding it all up, your estimated total cost for this trip would be approximately $13.00. Not too shabby, right?
Route 2: Scenic Drive via I-495 and I-91
If you’re in the mood for a more scenic experience, consider taking I-495 and I-91. This picturesque route stretches about 85 miles, and you can expect to spend roughly 2 hours driving it, depending on traffic conditions and how many stops you make along the way.
With the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon, your vehicle will again consume about 3.5 gallons of gas, summing up to about $12.25 for fuel.
On this route, you’ll hit a couple of tolls amounting to around $3.00. Therefore, your total cost for this scenic journey comes to approximately $15.25. A small price for beautiful views, don’t you think?
Route 3: Back Roads for the Adventurous
If you enjoy backroads, there’s a lovely route through MA-3A and CT-15. This way is about 78 miles and will take about 2 hours and 10 minutes. While this route may take longer due to lower speed limits and possible traffic in towns, it allows for a more relaxed drive through charming communities.
For gas, you can expect to spend around $10.50 again, similar to Route 1, since you’ll be using about 3 gallons based on our earlier calculations.
Fortunately, there are minimal tolls for this particular road trip, so you might only spend around $1.50. This makes your total cost approximately $12.00. Perfect for those who love a leisurely drive!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best route from Dunstable, MA to West Hartford, CT really depends on your priorities. Whether you're looking to save time, enjoy the scenery, or keep costs low, you have options!
To recap, here are the estimated costs:
- Route 1 (I-84): 75 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes, $13.00
- Route 2 (I-495 and I-91): 85 miles, 2 hours, $15.25
- Route 3 (Back Roads): 78 miles, 2 hours 10 minutes, $12.00
Whichever route you choose, safe travels and enjoy your adventure to West Hartford!