The Cost of a Trip between Belmont and Plymouth: Navigating Gas Prices
Planning a trip between Belmont and Plymouth, Massachusetts, always involves considering the cost of transportation. With the constantly fluctuating gas prices, choosing the best and most affordable route can be daunting. In this article, we will dive into the different possible routes and highlight their distance and cost. We will also provide a recommendation for the best route.
Possible Routes
There are several possible ways to travel from Belmont to Plymouth. The most common routes include taking the 95-S or the 495-S, which are major highways in Massachusetts. Another option is to take the scenic route along the coast, which involves driving through towns like Scituate and Duxbury. We will analyze each route and compare their distance and cost.
Route 1: 95-S
The 95-S is a popular route that spans the East Coast of the United States. The stretch between Belmont and Plymouth involves driving through Boston and Quincy. The distance between the two cities is approximately 37 miles, and it takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach Plymouth.
The cost of traveling along the 95-S largely depends on gas prices. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is $3.00 per gallon. If your car's gas mileage is 25 miles per gallon, you would need a little over a gallon of gas for the trip. This means that the cost of gas alone for the 95-S route is around $3.00.
Adding tolls to the cost, using the Mass Turnpike will add an additional $6.70 if you started your trip from Belmont Road. Without factoring in food or other miscellaneous expenses, the total cost for this route would be around $9.70.
Route 2: 495-S
Another possible route to Plymouth is the 495-S. This highway's starting point is in Haverhill, which is slightly north of Belmont. This route involves driving through towns such as Andover, Lawrence, and Middleborough, among others. The distance between the two cities via this route is approximately 45 miles, and it takes around an hour and 15 minutes to reach the destination.
The 495-S is known for having fewer tolls compared to the 95-S. In fact, you would not incur any tolls if you took this route. The cost of gas for the 495-S would be higher because of the increased distance. Assuming gas prices remain the same, you would need around 2 gallons of gas for the trip, which translates to around $6.00. Without factoring in food or other miscellaneous expenses, the total cost for this route would be around $6.00.
Route 3: Scenic Route
For those who enjoy scenic routes, a trip from Belmont to Plymouth can be more than just getting from one city to another. Instead of sticking to major highways, this route involves driving along the coast and through small towns like Scituate and Duxbury. The distance between the two cities is greater than that of the two routes analyzed earlier. The distance between the two cities via the scenic route is approximately 50 miles, and it takes around an hour and 30 minutes to reach the final destination.
The scenic route provides you with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the coast. Unfortunately, this route can be more expensive than the two options above, as you would have to travel through numerous towns with varying speed limits. The cost of gas alone for this route would be a little over $6.00 if gas prices remain the same.
Recommended Route
Based on the cost and total distance of each route analyzed, the 495-S is the most affordable and practical route for getting from Belmont to Plymouth. Although the distance is slightly more than the 95-S, the lack of tolls and the minimal distance difference makes the 495-S a better option. The scenic route is an excellent option for sightseeing, but bear in mind that you may incur extra gas expenses as you traverse small towns.
Conclusion
Overall, getting from Belmont, Massachusetts to Plymouth, Massachusetts can be affordable, depending on the route you take. The 495-S provides the most practical option for most travelers, with the 95-S as an alternative for those who need to reach their destination as quickly as possible. The scenic route provides a beautiful journey, albeit at an increased cost for gas expenses. So don't be afraid to hit the road and explore the hidden gems of Massachusetts without breaking the bank.