The Cost of Road Trip from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine

Are you planning a road trip to Portland, Maine from Barnstable, Massachusetts? Maine is known for scenic beauty, delicious seafood, and friendly locals, but the cost of driving there might be a concern for some. In this blog post, we are going to break down the cost of different routes you can take and the current gas prices and tolls required.

Route 1: I-95 N

The most direct route from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Portland, Maine is via I-95 N, a 140-mile journey. This route should take you just under 3 hours. Using the current national gas price average of $3.18 per gallon, and with a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $17 on gas for this route. Additionally, there are tolls along the way, including the Massachusetts Turnpike and Maine Turnpike, totaling $16.50 (or $13.10 if you have an EZ-Pass). In total, this route will cost around $33 for gas and tolls round trip.

Route 2: MA-3 N and I-295 N

Another option is to take MA-3 N and then hop onto I-295 N, which is a little longer than the first route, but has tolls. This route is around 160 miles long and should take about 3 hours and 15 minutes. With a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices, the cost for gas for this route should be around $19. You will also encounter tolls en route, including at the Tobin Bridge and Portland's Fore River Bridge, which total about $5.50 round trip. This route will cost around $24.50 in total for gas and tolls.

Route 3: US-1 N

A third route to consider is US-1 N, a slightly longer (about 155 miles) but more scenic route that passes through charming coastal towns in Maine. This route will take around 3 hours and 30 minutes without any traffic. You will spend approximately $19 in gas if your car gets around 25 miles per gallon and with current gas prices. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost for this route will be around $19.

Conclusion:

When it comes to cost, the most affordable option is Route 3, which takes a little longer but allows you to explore some of Maine's beautiful coastal towns. If you are looking for the quickest route, but don't want to break the bank, Route 1 is your best bet. Finally, if you are looking for a balance between scenic beauty and convenience, Route 2 is a great option. Whatever route you choose, be sure to account for gas and tolls in your budget. Safe travels!