The Cost of a Trip Between Amherst, New Hampshire and Elmore, Vermont

If you're driving from Amherst, New Hampshire to Elmore, Vermont, there are several different routes to choose from. Some are shorter but more expensive, while others are longer but more affordable. With gas prices constantly changing, it can be tough to gauge just how much a trip like this will cost. In this article, we'll break down the different routes and the cost of each so that you can make an informed decision about which way to go.

Route 1: The Shortest Route

The shortest route from Amherst to Elmore takes you north on I-89, a scenic drive through New Hampshire's White Mountains and Vermont's Green Mountains. This route is the shortest, but it's also the most expensive. At about 185 miles, it'll take you about 3.5 hours to get from start to finish.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in New Hampshire as of September 2021 is $3.20 per gallon. With this price in mind, and assuming your vehicle gets the average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $51 on gas for this route alone.

Route 2: The Mid-Length Route

A slightly longer but more affordable route from Amherst to Elmore will take you through southern Vermont on I-91. This route is about 210 miles long and will take you about 4 hours to complete.

Again, using GasBuddy's average gas price of $3.20 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $58 on gas for this route.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

For those who value the journey over the destination, the scenic route may be the way to go. This route takes you through some of central Vermont's most picturesque towns and is about 230 miles long. You'll start on NH-101 and travel through Peterborough before heading north on Route 202 towards Hillsborough. From there, you'll take Route 9 through Keene and Brattleboro before finally arriving in Elmore.

This route will take you about 4.5 hours to complete, but the views and charming towns along the way are worth it. With GasBuddy's average gas price of $3.20 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $64 on gas for this route.

Route 4: The Most Affordable Route

If saving money is your main objective, the most affordable route from Amherst to Elmore is to head west on NH-101 towards Keene before taking Route 9 through Brattleboro and into Vermont. This route is about 240 miles long and will take you about 4.5 hours to complete.

Using GasBuddy's average gas price of $3.20 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $67 on gas for this route.

The Best Route

After analyzing the different routes, the mid-length route on I-91 is the best in terms of both time and cost. While the scenic route is breathtaking, it's also the most expensive, and the shortest route on I-89 isn't worth the extra cost for such a small time savings. The mid-length route through southern Vermont strikes the perfect balance between affordability and convenience.

Conclusion

When planning a trip from Amherst, New Hampshire, to Elmore, Vermont, it's important to factor in the cost of gas. While gas prices are constantly changing, it's helpful to use a tool like GasBuddy to get an idea of what you can expect to spend on your trip. The mid-length route on I-91 is the best choice for those looking to balance time and cost, but the other routes may be worth considering depending on your priorities. Whatever route you choose, be sure to enjoy the drive and take in the stunning New England scenery along the way.