Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Durham to New Hampton, New Hampshire: A Gas Price Analysis
When planning a road trip, understanding the costs associated with your journey is essential, especially with fluctuating gas prices. This article explores the various routes from Durham, New Hampshire, to New Hampton, New Hampshire, and breaks down the total expenses, distances, and travel times associated with each route.
Understanding the Fuel Costs
Before diving into the routes, let’s first consider the current average gas price in New Hampshire, which stands around $3.30 per gallon. To estimate your fuel expenses accurately, you need to know the distance, the fuel economy of the vehicle, and the gas price.
Fuel Economy
Assuming you're driving a typical sedan with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can calculate the gas cost based on the total trip distances. Here’s how the math works:
- Calculate distance for each route
- Calculate how many gallons you'll need
- Multiply the gallons needed by current gas price
Now, let’s take a closer look at the possible routes from Durham to New Hampton.
Route Options
Route 1: I-95 N to I-93 N
The first route travels mainly along major highways, offering a quick and direct journey. Starting from Durham, you take NH-108 to I-95 N, then merge onto I-93 N.
Distance: 70 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Estimated Gas Cost:
- Gallons needed: 70 miles / 25 mpg = 2.8 gallons
- Cost: 2.8 gallons × $3.30 per gallon = $9.24
Route 2: NH-4 W to I-93 N
The second option takes you down NH-4 W directly to I-93 N. This is another popular route, preferred for its minimal traffic and scenic views.
Distance: 66 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Estimated Gas Cost:
- Gallons needed: 66 miles / 25 mpg = 2.64 gallons
- Cost: 2.64 gallons × $3.30 per gallon = $8.69
Route 3: Scenic Backroads
Lastly, you can opt for a more scenic route traveling through local backroads. This journey offers beautiful views but may take longer due to winding roads and lower speed limits.
Distance: 75 miles
Estimated Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Estimated Gas Cost:
- Gallons needed: 75 miles / 25 mpg = 3 gallons
- Cost: 3 gallons × $3.30 per gallon = $9.90
Side-by-Side Comparison of Route Costs and Distances
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Gallons Needed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-95 N to I-93 N | 70 miles | 1 hour 15 min | 2.8 | $9.24 |
| NH-4 W to I-93 N | 66 miles | 1 hour 10 min | 2.64 | $8.69 |
| Scenic Backroads | 75 miles | 1 hour 30 min | 3 | $9.90 |
Which Route is Best?
From the comparison, it's clear that the most cost-effective and quickest route is NH-4 W to I-93 N, with an estimated travel cost of $8.69 and a total distance of 66 miles. This route not only saves you money but also has a slightly shorter travel time compared to the others. It avoids heavy highway traffic while still offering a relatively straightforward drive.
If you are looking for a slightly longer and more scenic drive, the first route via I-95 N to I-93 N is a solid alternative. It remains competitively priced and is still an enjoyable drive.
Conclusion
In summary, a trip from Durham to New Hampton encompasses various route options, each with its distinctive characteristics. Opting for NH-4 W to I-93 N provides the best balance of cost and time, costing approximately $8.69 and taking about 1 hour 10 minutes. Enjoy your journey, embrace the scenery, and remember to keep an eye out for changing gas prices as you plan your travel. Safe travels!