The Cost of a Trip between Amesbury, Massachusetts and City of Syracuse, New York
Are you planning a trip from Amesbury, Massachusetts to the City of Syracuse, New York? If so, one of the things you'll need to consider is the cost of the trip. The distance between these two cities is significant, so the cost of fuel can add up quickly. In this article, we'll take a look at the different possible routes and the cost of each one, so you can make an informed decision about how to travel.
Possible Routes
There are several routes you can take when traveling between Amesbury and Syracuse. Some are more direct than others, and some may be more expensive due to tolls or higher fuel costs. Here are the most common routes:
Route 1 - I-90 W
One of the most direct routes between Amesbury and Syracuse is to take I-90 W. This route takes you through Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, and covers a distance of approximately 440 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 7 hours and 20 minutes, assuming the usual traffic conditions.
This particular route does have the downside of having tolls. The Masspike charges $2.60 on this particular stretch. The rest of the tolls on this 6 hour 40 minute trip depend on how many exits you take, but they're usually no more than $2 per toll.
Route 2 - I-495 S and I-90 W
Another option is to take I-495 S to I-90 W. This route takes you through Massachusetts and covers a distance of approximately 440 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 7 hours and 20 minutes, assuming the usual traffic conditions.
Driving through the state of Massachusetts allows you to avoid the tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike, which is the main advantage of this route. However, expect to hit tolls on I-84 in Connecticut and I-90 in New York, tolls which vary in price greatly depending on the time of day and season
Route 3 - I-290 W and I-90 W
If you prefer to avoid the highways and travel on smaller roads, you can take I-290 W to I-90 W. This route takes you through Massachusetts and covers a distance of approximately 440 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 7 hours and 25 minutes, assuming the usual traffic conditions.
While Massachusetts Turnpike tolls can be somewhat avoided, I-290 does have a toll in place for those traveling the full length of the road. The toll, which is $1.70* (and it’s a cash system) will cost you a total of $3.40.
Route 4 - US-20 W
A more scenic, longer route is via US-20 W. This route takes you through Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania and covers a distance of approximately 460 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 9 hours, assuming the usual traffic conditions.
No tolls occur on this route. However, this route often experiences heavy traffic, especially during peak season.
Cost Comparison
The cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, the current price of gasoline, and any tolls or other fees you may encounter along the way. With that in mind, let's take a look at the estimated cost of each route based on the current gas prices:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Gas Price ($/gal) | Estimated Fuel Cost | Tolls | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-90 W | 440 | $2.89 | $38.60 | $10.60 | $49.20 |
| I-495 S and I-90 W | 440 | $2.89 | $38.60 | $5-10 | $43.60 - $48.60 |
| I-290 W and I-90 W | 440 | $2.89 | $38.60 | $1.70 | $40.30 |
| US-20 W | 460 | $2.89 | $39.27 | $0 | $39.27 |
*Cost per 1 gallon of gasoline equates to $2.88, according to AAA’s gas calculator in August 2021.
Based on the estimated fuel costs and tolls, it's clear that US-20 W is the cheapest route to take in terms of cost. However, this route is also the longest and has the downside of often experiencing heavy traffic. If you're looking for a more direct route, I-495 S and I-90 W or I-90 W are both good options, with I-495 S and I-90 W offering the benefit of avoiding the Massachusetts Turnpike toll.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you need to get to Syracuse from Amesbury, there are several routes available to you, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you want to save money on your trip, consider taking US-20 W, but be prepared for heavy traffic at times. If time is more of a concern than cost, I-495 S and I-90 W or I-90 W are both good options, with I-495 S and I-90 W only costing slightly more than I-90 W due to the tolls in Connecticut.
No matter which route you choose, be sure to factor in the cost of fuel and any tolls or other fees that may apply. By planning ahead and knowing the cost of your trip in advance, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey from Amesbury to Syracuse.