Road Trip from Arlington to Barnstable: How Much Will It Cost You with Current Gas Prices?

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington to Barnstable? Whether you're going on vacation or visiting friends, discovering the cost of the trip can help you plan your budget and optimize your journey. With current gas prices in mind, we've crunched the numbers and come up with some estimated costs for different driving routes from Arlington to Barnstable. So, buckle up and let's explore the different options you have!

The Shortest Route: Taking Route 3 South

If you're short on time and don't want to spend too much on gas, taking the shortest route might be your best bet. From Arlington, you can hop on Route 2 West and then merge onto Route 3 South, which will take you all the way to Barnstable. This route covers approximately 88 miles and should take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Assuming the current average gas price of $2.90 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $13.20 on gas for this trip. Keep in mind that you'll also encounter tolls when taking this route. The total cost of tolls is approximately $5.60 (including the Ted Williams Tunnel toll).

The Scenic Route: Taking Route 6A through Cape Cod

If you're not in a rush and want to enjoy a scenic ride, taking a more meandering route might be the way to go. From Arlington, you can take Route 2 West and merge onto I-495 South, then take Exit 2 toward Sandwich and follow Route 6A East all the way to Barnstable. This route covers approximately 98 miles and should take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops you make along the way.

Assuming the current average gas price of $2.90 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $15.60 on gas for this trip. Unlike the first route, you won't encounter any tolls when taking this route.

The Cost-Effective Route: Taking Route 128 and Route 24

If you want to find a balance between a relatively short trip and a frugal budget, taking Route 128 and Route 24 might be the way to go. From Arlington, you can take Route 2 West and merge onto Route 128 South, then merge onto Route 24 South toward Fall River. From there, you can take Exit 3 toward Route 6 East and follow that all the way to Barnstable. This route covers approximately 100 miles and should take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Assuming the current average gas price of $2.90 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $16.00 on gas for this trip. Like the first route, you'll also encounter tolls when taking this route. The total cost of tolls is approximately $11.45 (including the Nonantum Road and the Bourne Bridge tolls).

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the cost of driving from Arlington to Barnstable can vary depending on the route you choose. While the shortest route might be the most affordable, the scenic and cost-effective options allow you to make the most of your journey. Whichever route you choose, don't forget to factor in any tolls and make sure your vehicle is in good shape for the trip. Happy travels!