The Cost of a Road Trip from Bar Harbor, Maine to State College, Pennsylvania: Navigating Current Gas Prices

Road trips are one of the most popular ways to travel in the United States, and with many Americans looking to get away from the daily grind in 2021, planning a long road trip has become an even hotter topic. Whether you’re thinking of exploring the great outdoors or visiting friends and family in another state, a road trip can be an excellent way to see more of the country. But how much does it cost to travel from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania, in 2021? In this article, we’ll break down the possible routes, the distance and cost of each trip, and make our recommendations based on the current gas prices.

Possible Routes from Bar Harbor, Maine to State College, Pennsylvania

There are three possible routes to choose from when traveling from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania. Each route has its own distance, travel time, and cost.

Route 1: I-95 S and I-81 S

The first route is the most direct and straightforward when traveling from Bar Harbor to State College. You can take I-95 S for most of the way, and then switch to I-81 S. This route covers about 840 miles of highways, and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes to drive without stopping.

Route 2: US-2 W, I-91 S, and I-84 W

The second route offers a more scenic drive, but it’s not as fast as the first route. This route involves driving through Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, before reaching State College via I-84 W. It covers approximately 925 miles and takes about 15 hours and 45 minutes to drive without stopping.

Route 3: US-1 S and I-95 S

The third route is the longest drive, and it involves traveling along the east coast. It follows US-1 S from Bar Harbor to Fort Kent, then switches to I-95 S, which takes travelers to State College. While this route covers about 1,135 miles, it allows travelers to see several landmarks along the coast, and it takes around 18 hours and 15 minutes to drive without stopping.

The Cost of Driving from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania

The cost of traveling from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania, by car can vary depending on several factors, including the car’s fuel efficiency, the cost of gas, and whether you stay overnight at a hotel. Here’s a cost breakdown for each route based on a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an average fuel price of $3.00 per gallon.

Route 1: I-95 S and I-81 S

Driving from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania, via I-95 S and I-81 S requires about 34 gallons of gas and will cost around $102. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay an additional $100-$150, depending on the hotel.

Route 2: US-2 W, I-91 S, and I-84 W

Driving through Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York means covering more miles and stopping more often compared to the other routes. This trip will require approximately 37 gallons of gas and will cost around $111. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay an additional $150-$200.

Route 3: US-1 S and I-95 S

Driving down the east coast to State College, Pennsylvania, requires about 45 gallons of gas, costing around $135. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay an additional $200-$250.

Our Recommendation: I-95 S and I-81 S

Based on the cost and travel time, the best route for this trip is I-95 S and I-81 S. It's the most direct route, so you'll be spending less time on the road and less money on gas. Additionally, if you want to break up the journey with an overnight stay, there are plenty of options available. Our recommendation is to consider staying overnight in New York or Pennsylvania, as this will allow you to split your journey into two manageable parts.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A road trip from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania, offers several routes to choose from, each with its own distance and cost. While there are pros and cons to each trip, we recommend sticking to the most direct and cost-efficient route to avoid spending too much money on gas and minimize your time on the road. Overall, driving from Bar Harbor, Maine, to State College, Pennsylvania, can be an exciting adventure that allows you to see beautiful scenery along the east coast and enjoy some great stops along the way. Just make sure to plan your trip in advance and be prepared for the cost of gas and accommodations!