The Cost of a Road Trip between Bangor, Maine and Fairfield, Pennsylvania
Fall is here, and it's the perfect time for a road trip to some of the beautiful destinations in the United States. One of the popular destinations this time of year is Bangor, Maine, known for its stunning foliage. For those looking for a road trip with more adventure, Fairfield, Pennsylvania, which is home to the Gettysburg National Military Park, is a must-visit destination. But before embarking on this exciting trip, it's essential to plan and know the cost of such a journey. In this article, we will break down the cost of traveling by car from Bangor, Maine, to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, using different routes.
Possible Routes
There are several routes that one can take when traveling from Bangor, Maine, to Fairfield, Pennsylvania. The most popular routes are the I-95 and I-84. These routes provide smooth travel however; they are relatively longer and pass through major traffic cities, which tends to slow down the trip.
Option 1: I-95 and I-84
This route takes approximately 10 hours, with a distance of 582 miles from Bangor to Fairfield. Traveling through this route, the journey starts South to Portland, ME, then to Portsmouth, NH. From there, you drive through Boston, MA, to Hartford, CT, and finally end up at Fairfield, PA.
Option 2: US-2 W
The US-2 W is another route to consider. It pans through some enchanting locations along the way while providing enough time for multiple stops and scenic views, making it an excellent choice for those interested in sightseeing. The distance covered in this route is 589 miles, and it takes approximately 11 hours of continuous driving, which makes it the longest route of all mentioned. The highlight of this route is the beautiful Lakes Region of Maine. As you plan, be sure to consider your preferred stops and the amount of time that will be taken.
Option 3: I-95 and I-78
This option has a shorter distance of approximately 502 miles with an estimated travel time of 9 hours. This route starts from Bangor, ME, to Portland, ME, where you get access to I-95 via Portland Road, then drive through Boston, MA to Allentown, PA.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are another significant factor to consider when planning a road trip, and with the current prices, it's inevitable that a considerable chunk of your budget will be spent on gas. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Maine is $2.93 per gallon, while in Pennsylvania, the average price is $2.89 per gallon. These gas prices may vary depending on location and local taxes.
Cost of a Road Trip from Bangor, Maine to Fairfield, Pennsylvania
To estimate the cost of a road trip from Bangor, Maine to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, we will calculate the estimated amount of gas needed, based on the stated gas prices.
Using an average gas mileage of 30 miles per gallon, we can calculate the estimated cost of fuel for a sedan-sized vehicle.
Option 1: I-95 and I-84
Assuming a distance of 582 miles covered at an average gas mileage of 30 mpg, the amount of gas required is approximately 20 gallons. Using the gas prices mentioned earlier, the estimated cost of gas for this route is $58.60.
Option 2: US-2 W
Given the 589 miles, this route will require approximately 20 gallons of gas for a sedan-sized vehicle at an average mileage of 30 mpg. The estimated cost of gas for this route, using the current gas prices, is $58.60.
Option 3: I-95 and I-78
This option, which covers approximately 502 miles at an average mileage of 30 mpg, will require approximately 16 gallons of gas. The estimated cost of gas for this route for a sedan-sized vehicle is $46.24.
Recommended Route
Based on the estimated cost and travel time, Option 3 using I-95 and I-78 is the most recommended route. With a shorter distance and estimated travel time, a significant portion of your budget and time will be saved.
Conclusion
With several routes that one can take from Bangor, Maine to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, it is crucial to choose wisely. The average cost of gas along with the duration of the trip is an essential consideration. Based on the cost and travel time analysis, the most recommended route is Option 3, using the I-95 and I-78, which covers approximately 502 miles and takes about 9 hours. Now you know the estimated cost for your next road trip from Bangor, Maine, to Fairfield, Pennsylvania use this information as you plan and keep in mind that you may face other expenses such as tolls, parking fees and maintenance for the vehicle.
Bon Voyage!