The Cost of a Trip between Belmont, Massachusetts and Vernon, Connecticut: Navigating Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a trip between Belmont, Massachusetts and Vernon, Connecticut requires careful consideration of both time and expenses. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it is crucial to assess the cost of different travel routes before embarking on the journey. In this article, we will explore various routes, their associated costs, and recommend the optimal route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: Direct Route via I-90 W and I-84 E

The most direct route between Belmont and Vernon is to take Interstate 90 West (I-90 W) and then switch to Interstate 84 East (I-84 E). This route covers a distance of approximately 101 miles, making it the shortest option. However, it is essential to consider the cost of gas, as well as any tolls along the way.

Gas Cost:

To calculate the gas cost for this direct route, we need to consider the average mileage of your vehicle. Let's assume your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) on highways, and the current average gas price is $3.00 per gallon.

The total distance of 101 miles divided by 25 MPG gives us 4.04 gallons. Multiplying this by the gas price of $3.00 per gallon gives us a basic gas cost of $12.12 for the trip.

Tolls:

When traveling on this route, it is important to note that there are several tolls to be paid. For instance, there is a toll of $3.50 at the Allston-Brighton interchange in Massachusetts. Additionally, there may be other tolls on I-90 W and I-84 E, depending on the specific exits taken. These additional tolls could cost up to $15.00.

Route 2: Scenic Route via I-95 S and I-395 N

Another option for your journey from Belmont, Massachusetts to Vernon, Connecticut is to take a scenic route, which includes Interstate 95 South (I-95 S) and then transitioning to Interstate 395 North (I-395 N). Although this route presents a longer distance, it offers a change of scenery and potentially lower gas costs.

Gas Cost:

Using the same assumptions as before, let's calculate the gas cost for this scenic route. Assuming an average MPG of 25, and a current gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

The total distance for this route is approximately 120 miles. Dividing 120 miles by 25 MPG gives us 4.8 gallons. Multiplying this by the gas price of $3.00 per gallon yields a fuel cost of $14.40.

Tolls:

When driving on this route, it is essential to consider any possible tolls. By taking I-95 S, you will encounter a toll of $1.50 at the Weston toll plaza in Massachusetts. There may be additional tolls, varying depending on the specific exits taken on both I-95 S and I-395 N. These additional tolls could cost up to $10.00.

Route 3: Hybrid Route via I-495 S and I-290 W

If you prefer a combination of the direct and scenic routes, a hybrid route could be the right choice for your trip. This route takes you on Interstate 495 South (I-495 S) and later transitions to Interstate 290 West (I-290 W).

Gas Cost:

Calculating the gas cost for this hybrid route, let's assume the same vehicle with an average MPG of 25, and a current gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

The total distance for this hybrid route is approximately 111 miles. Dividing 111 miles by 25 MPG gives us 4.44 gallons. Multiplying this by the gas price of $3.00 per gallon provides a fuel cost of $13.32.

Tolls:

When driving along this hybrid route, it is important to consider possible tolls. By taking I-495 S, you will encounter a toll of $1.50 at the Weston toll plaza in Massachusetts. There are no additional known tolls between Belmont and Vernon on this route.

Recommendation: The Optimal Route

After comparing the three different routes, considering distance, gas costs, and tolls, the optimal route for your trip between Belmont, Massachusetts and Vernon, Connecticut is likely to be the direct route via I-90 W and I-84 E. This route offers the shortest distance, resulting in lower gas costs and a potentially quicker journey.

While the scenic route via I-95 S and I-395 N provides an alternative for those seeking a change of scenery, the additional distance and potential tolls make it less cost-effective.

The hybrid route via I-495 S and I-290 W is also a viable option, falling between the direct and scenic routes in terms of distance and gas costs. However, since there are no known tolls on this route, the gas savings are not substantial enough to outweigh the shorter distance of the direct route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a trip between Belmont, Massachusetts and Vernon, Connecticut, it is essential to consider both the cost and time implications of different travel routes. Based on current gas prices, the direct route via I-90 W and I-84 E offers the most cost-effective option, with an approximate gas cost of $12.12 and potential tolls of up to $15.00. This route covers a distance of approximately 101 miles.

Traveling this route, you can expect to enjoy a safe and scenic journey, arriving at your destination in approximately X hours.