Counting the Cost: A Road Trip from Atkinson, New Hampshire to South Portland, Maine

Are you planning a road trip from Atkinson, New Hampshire to South Portland, Maine? Whether you're heading there for work or for fun, one of the most important things you need to consider is the cost of the trip. With gas prices always fluctuating, it's crucial that you plan your route and figure out how much it's going to cost you to get from point A to point B. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the possible routes you can take and the associated costs.

Route 1: I-95 N

The most common route for a trip from Atkinson to South Portland is via I-95 N, which is about 65.0 miles. Taking this route will take approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can expect to pay around $6.14 for gas for this trip if you're driving a car that gets about 25 miles per gallon (MPG). This calculation is based on the average gas price in Atkinson, NH, which is currently $2.45 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com.

Route 2: NH-101 W and I-95 N

Another possible route is to take NH-101 W and then head north on I-95 N. This route is slightly longer, covering about 68.5 miles. However, it can be a more scenic drive, and you may also be able to avoid some of the traffic that can build up on I-95. This route takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes, and you can expect to pay around $6.39 for gas.

Route 3: I-495 N and I-95 N

If you want to avoid the traffic on I-95, you can take a longer route that begins with I-495 N near Haverhill, MA. This route is approximately 85.6 miles, which means you'll be on the road for about 1 hour and 27 minutes. Compared to the other two routes, this one is more expensive - you can expect to pay around $7.92 in gas costs. However, if you're willing to add some extra time to your trip, this route can be a good option for avoiding congestion.

Route 4: US-1 N

For a more scenic route, you can take US-1 N all the way from Atkinson to South Portland. This route is about 74.7 miles and can take approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. While US-1 is slower than the other highways, it offers a variety of sights and attractions, including beaches, small towns, and historic sites. However, you can expect to pay about $8.43 in gas costs.

Route 5: ME-109 N and I-95 N

If you want to see more of the Maine coast, you can take ME-109 N and then head north on I-95. This route offers beautiful views of the ocean and takes you through some charming coastal towns. However, it's also the longest route, covering about 92.8 miles. You can expect to spend around 1 hour and 45 minutes on the road, and gas costs will be around $9.20.

Recommendation: Route 1 - I-95 N

After considering the other possible routes, the most cost-effective and time-efficient one is still via I-95 N. While some of the other routes offer scenic views and attractions, they also add time and money to your trip. If you're looking to get to South Portland as quickly and inexpensively as possible, I-95 N is the way to go.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Atkinson, New Hampshire to South Portland, Maine is a fun and manageable adventure. By planning your route and considering gas costs, you can make sure the trip is both enjoyable and economical. While there are several routes to choose from, I-95 N is the most straightforward option. With an estimated travel time of 1 hour and 8 minutes and gas costs of around $6.14, it's the best choice if you're looking to get to South Portland as quickly and cheaply as possible.