The Cost of a Trip Between Bellingham, Massachusetts and Preston, Connecticut in the Age of Rising Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Bellingham, Massachusetts and Preston, Connecticut, the cost of gas is likely to be at the forefront of your calculations. With rising gas prices, many drivers are concerned about how much it will cost to travel to their destinations. Fortunately, there are a few routes you can take to get from Bellingham to Preston, each with its own advantages and potential costs. Let's take a closer look at the possible routes and their costs.

Route 1: I-95

The most direct route between Bellingham and Preston involves taking I-95 and I-395. This route is approximately 87 miles long and can be completed in around an hour and forty-five minutes without traffic. However, since this route follows major highways, traffic is likely to be an issue during peak travel times.

According to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report, the average gas price in Massachusetts as of August 2021 is $3.01 per gallon, while the average gas price in Connecticut is $3.21 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 3.5 gallons of gas to travel between Bellingham and Preston via I-95. This means you'll spend approximately $10.54 on gas for the round trip.

Route 2: I-495 and CT-2

An alternative route to consider involves taking I-495 and CT-2. This route is approximately 97 miles long and can be completed in around 2 hours without traffic. While this route adds a bit of distance and time to your trip, it may be worth considering if you want to avoid the heavy traffic that can be encountered on I-95.

According to the same gas prices noted for Route 1, you'll require closer to 4 gallons of gas to travel between Bellingham and Preston via I-495 and CT-2. This means you'll spend approximately $12.04 on gas for the round trip.

Route 3: MA-146 and I-395

Another option is to take MA-146 and I-395 to get from Bellingham to Preston. This route is approximately 71 miles long and can be completed in around an hour and forty minutes without traffic.

Assuming gas prices are consistent with Route 1, your gas expenses will be approximately $8.46 for this route since you will require around 2.5 gallons of gas.

Route 4: Opting for Public Transportation

If you don't have access to a vehicle, or if you want to save on gas expenses, public transportation may be an option. Greyhound provides service from Worcester, Massachusetts to New London, Connecticut, which is about a 35-minute drive from Preston. This will cost approximately $20 each way for a total of around $40 for the round trip.

While taking public transportation can be an affordable option, the convenience factor may not be there. You may need to organize other forms of transportation to get to and from the stations, which will add to your overall trip cost.

Conclusion

Based on the possible routes, the most cost-effective option is Route 3, taking MA-146 and I-395. While it may not be the most direct route, it's both time and cost-effective. By taking this route, you'll save approximately $2.08 in gas expenses compared to Route 1.

It's important to note that gas prices are constantly fluctuating, so these estimates may not be accurate for the time you plan your trip. However, by factoring in the distance, traffic conditions, and average gas prices, you can make an informed decision about which route to take for your trip between Bellingham and Preston. Safe travels!