Driving Cost from Durham, New Hampshire to Chelmsford, Massachusetts

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Durham, NH to Chelmsford, MA: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a trip from Durham, New Hampshire to Chelmsford, Massachusetts? Whether you're visiting friends, family, or exploring the beautiful New England scenery, it’s always good to know what you’re getting into financially before you hit the road. In this post, we'll break down the costs involved based on current gas prices and provide you with an overview of a couple of common routes.

Route 1: The Straight Shot via I-95

This route is likely the most straightforward and offers a great balance between distance and travel time. To start off, let's look at the details:

  • Distance: 60 miles
  • Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (without heavy traffic)
  • Gas Prices: Currently, gas prices in New England hover around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 2.4 gallons of fuel.

Calculating the gas cost:

  • Gas Cost: 2.4 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $8.40

While this route on I-95 doesn’t include any tolls, keep in mind that traffic can sometimes slow you down, especially during peak hours.

Route 2: The Scenic Drive via US-4 and I-495

If you prefer a more scenic route, consider this option. Although it’s a bit longer, you might enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the way.

  • Distance: 65 miles
  • Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (again, without heavy traffic)
  • Gas Prices: Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency, you’ll still need about 2.6 gallons.

For this route, the calculations are similar:

  • Gas Cost: 2.6 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $9.10

However, be aware that this route introduces one significant cost: a toll. The Merrimack River bridge crossing has a toll of roughly $1.50.

So, let’s tally it all up:

  • Total Cost for Route 2: $9.10 (gas) + $1.50 (toll) = $10.60

Summary of Costs and Routes

To recap, here are the costs and travel details for both routes:

  • Route 1: I-95

    • Distance: 60 miles
    • Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    • Cost: $8.40 (gas only)

  • Route 2: US-4 and I-495

    • Distance: 65 miles
    • Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
    • Cost: $10.60 (including gas and toll)

In conclusion, both routes from Durham, NH to Chelmsford, MA offer their unique advantages. If you’re looking to save a little on gas, Route 1 may be your best bet. If you prefer a scenic experience and don’t mind spending an extra couple of bucks, Route 2 is perfect for you. Always use a reliable navigation app to stay updated on traffic conditions, and happy driving!