Cost of a Road Trip from Duxbury to Attleboro, Massachusetts: Analyzing the Best Routes Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling between Duxbury and Attleboro, Massachusetts, offers sightseers charming aspects of New England. This journey spans approximately 40 miles, but several routes exist, each with differing travel times, conditions, scenery, and costs. With fluctuating gas prices impacting travel budgets, it’s essential to analyze the best routes from Duxbury to Attleboro and consider the cost associated with each.
Understanding the Distance and Fuel Costs
Before diving into the routes, it’s vital to assess the current gas prices to determine the fuel cost for your trip. As of October 2023, the average gas price in Massachusetts stands around $3.50 per gallon. On average, cars take around 25 miles per gallon (MPG). To find the estimated fuel cost for the route, use the following formula:
Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price per Gallon
For a distance of approximately 40 miles:
- Estimated Fuel Consumption: 40 miles / 25 MPG = 1.6 gallons
- Estimated Cost: 1.6 gallons * $3.50 = $5.60
Now that we have a base understanding of the fuel cost, let’s explore the different routes you can take from Duxbury to Attleboro.
Route Options to Consider
Route 1: Route 3 and I-495
Distance: Approximately 45 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 50 minutes
This route takes you from Duxbury to Route 3N, where you can merge onto I-495N toward Attleboro. The drive features several scenic views, especially between marshes and woodlands. However, it may involve more highway driving, which could account for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Estimated fuel consumption: 45 miles / 25 MPG = 1.8 gallons
Estimated cost: 1.8 gallons * $3.50 = $6.30
Route 2: Route 14 and Route 106
Distance: Approximately 44 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 50 minutes
This scenic route takes you through some charming towns. From Duxbury, travel towards Route 14 and head onto Route 106 toward Norton before merging onto Route 152 into Attleboro. This route features numerous stops at local establishments, providing an opportunity for a meal or a rest along the way.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Estimated fuel consumption: 44 miles / 25 MPG = 1.76 gallons
Estimated cost: 1.76 gallons * $3.50 = $6.16
Route 3: I-95 and I-295
Distance: Approximately 48 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 55 minutes
This route offers a more direct option by merging onto I-95N from Duxbury. After approximately 25 miles, exit onto I-295, leading you straight into Attleboro. Travelers enjoy smooth highways, but this path may also experience traffic congestion during peak commuting hours.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Estimated fuel consumption: 48 miles / 25 MPG = 1.92 gallons
Estimated cost: 1.92 gallons * $3.50 = $6.72
Route 4: Scenic Route via Route 18
Distance: Approximately 42 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 60-70 minutes
For those who appreciate scenic views, taking Route 18 from Duxbury provides a lovely experience. This route meanders through quaint communities and provides a more relaxing approach. Although the journey takes slightly longer due to lower speed limits, it offers a break from highway driving.
Fuel Cost Calculation:
Estimated fuel consumption: 42 miles / 25 MPG = 1.68 gallons
Estimated cost: 1.68 gallons * $3.50 = $5.88
Comparing the Routes
As we analyze the data for each route, it’s evident that while distances may vary slightly, the fuel costs remain relatively close. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated costs:
- Route 1: Route 3 and I-495: $6.30
- Route 2: Route 14 and Route 106: $6.16
- Route 3: I-95 and I-295: $6.72
- Route 4: Scenic Route via Route 18: $5.88
The route via Route 14 and Route 106 emerges as the most cost-effective, while the I-95 route has the highest travel cost against its distance. However, if one prioritizes avoiding highway traffic, the scenic route via Route 18 provides a tranquil experience, despite its slightly longer travel time.
Recommended Route
Considering travel time, scenic views, and cost, the best route for this trip would be Route 2: Route 14 and Route 106. This route balances both enjoyment and affordability while allowing travelers to take in the beauty of Massachusetts along the way. This drive usually takes around 50 minutes, which remains competitive with other routes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a trip from Duxbury to Attleboro, Massachusetts, provides various routing options. Based on current gas prices and travel conditions, the Route 14 and Route 106 route is not only cost-effective—at approximately $6.16 for gas—but also enjoyable, offering quaint New England surroundings. Traveling this route generally takes about 50 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently while appreciating the sights along the way.