A Road Trip Between Boston, Massachusetts and Columbus, Ohio: An Estimate of Cost and Distance Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Columbus, Ohio? If yes, you might be wondering about the cost of the trip and the distance between these two cities. There are several routes available, but the cost of each route can vary. In this article, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost of the trip based on current gas prices and highlight the distance and duration of each route. We will also recommend the best route for this journey.
The Distance and Duration of the Trip
Before we discuss the available routes, it is important to note the distance and duration of the trip. The distance between Boston and Columbus is approximately 700 miles, and it takes around 11-12 hours to drive straight through without any stops. It is a long drive, but it can be a delightful journey if you plan it well.
Route 1: The I-90 W Route
The I-90 W route is one of the most direct routes between Boston and Columbus. It spans across four states - Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Starting from Boston, you will take the Massachusetts Turnpike and then merge onto I-90 W. Then, you’ll follow this highway across New York and Pennsylvania until you reach Ohio. Finally, you’ll take I-71 South towards downtown Columbus.
The total distance of this journey is approximately 735 miles, and it takes around 12 hours to complete. Based on current gas prices, the cost of driving this route with a car that gets around 25 MPG is around $120 for gas only. Tolls for this route will cost around $50.40 if you plan to take the entire Massachusetts Turnpike.
Route 2: The I-84 W and I-80 W Route
Another possible route is the I-84 W and I-80 W route. This route passes through five states - Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Starting from Boston, you will follow the Massachusetts Turnpike to I-84 W. You’ll then take this highway across Connecticut and merge onto I-80 W in Pennsylvania. Once you reach Ohio, you’ll take I-71 S towards Columbus.
The total distance of this journey is approximately 800 miles, and it takes around 13-14 hours to complete. Based on current gas prices, the cost of driving this route with a car that gets around 25 MPG is around $135 for gas only. Tolls for this route will cost around $36.85, which includes the entire Massachusetts Turnpike.
Route 3: The I-90 W and I-80 W Route
Another alternative is the combination of taking the I-90 W and I-80 W route. This route spans across five states - Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Starting from Boston, you will take the Massachusetts Turnpike and merge onto I-90 W. Then, you’ll take I-80 W in Pennsylvania towards Ohio. Once you reach Ohio, you’ll take I-71 S towards Columbus.
The total distance of this journey is approximately 840 miles, and it takes around 14-15 hours to complete. Based on current gas prices, the cost of driving this route with a car that gets around 25 MPG is around $143 for gas only. Tolls for this route will cost around $50.40, which includes the entire Massachusetts Turnpike.
Which Route is the Best?
After considering the distance, duration, and cost of each route, the I-90 W route is the most direct and most affordable. The total cost for this route with gas and tolls is approximately $170.40. Although it may take a couple of hours longer than the other routes, this is a small price to pay for the savings you get in gas and tolls. The I-84 W and I-80 W route would be the best if you wanted a more scenic drive, but it will cost more in gas and tolls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Columbus, Ohio is a long but exciting journey. The I-90 W route is the most direct and affordable option for this trip, with a total estimated cost of $170.40 for gas and tolls. It is important to note that the cost of gas and tolls will fluctuate depending on current prices, so it is always best to double-check before hitting the road. With the right planning and a reliable car, this road trip can be a fantastic adventure. Allow at least 12 hours of drive time plus meal and rest stops for this journey. Happy cruising!