The Cost of Driving From Ashland, Massachusetts to Mackinaw City, Michigan

Are you planning a road trip from Ashland, Massachusetts to Mackinaw City, Michigan? Awesome! Just make sure to plan your route and budget accordingly. Here's a breakdown of the cost and time for three popular routes based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-90 W/I-80 W

This route takes you west on Interstate 90 and then west on Interstate 80, passing through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin before entering Michigan. The distance for this route is approximately 1,120 miles and it takes around 18 hours and 30 minutes to drive it.

Gas prices on this route range from around $2.19 per gallon in Massachusetts to $3.19 per gallon in Michigan, with an average of $2.59 per gallon. Based on a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the average gas prices, you can expect to pay around $139.60 for gas. Additionally, you will encounter several tolls on this route that can add up to $82.50 in total.

Route 2: I-90 W/I-80 W/I-75 N

This route follows the same path as Route 1, but once you reach Indiana, you will take Interstate 75 north into Michigan. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,180 miles and it takes around 19 hours to drive it.

Gas prices on this route are similar to Route 1, with an average of $2.59 per gallon. Based on the same vehicle and fuel economy, you can expect to pay around $146.80 for gas. Additionally, you will encounter the same tolls on I-90 and I-80, and additional tolls on I-75 that can add up to $98.30 in total.

Route 3: I-95 N/I-87 N/I-90 W/I-75 N

This route takes you north on Interstate 95 and Interstate 87 before joining Route 1 and Route 2 on Interstate 90 and Interstate 75. This route is slightly longer than Route 2, with a total distance of approximately 1,240 miles and it takes around 20 hours to drive it.

Gas prices on this route range from around $2.19 per gallon in Massachusetts to $3.19 per gallon in Michigan, with an average of $2.57 per gallon. Based on the same vehicle and fuel economy, you can expect to pay around $148.20 for gas. You will encounter tolls on all the major highways on this route, with a total of $104.50.

Conclusion

So, which route is the cheapest? Route 1 is the shortest and cheapest in terms of gas at $139.60 but has the same amount of tolls as Route 2 $82.50. Route 2 is longer but adds more tolls $98.30. Route 3 is the longest but has slightly cheaper gas prices at $148.20 and is the most expensive for tolls at $104.50. Ultimately, the choice is up to you and your budget. Happy travels!