A Road Trip to Portland, Maine: How Much Will it Cost?

Are you planning a road trip to Portland, Maine from Belmont, New Hampshire? If so, you're in luck! Maine has some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and the drive up there from the Lakes Region is nothing short of stunning. Of course, you're probably wondering just how much this adventure is going to cost you in gas and tolls, so let's dive right in!

Route 1: I-95 South

If you're in a hurry to get to Portland, take the I-95 South route. According to Google Maps, the distance from Belmont, NH to Portland, ME is about 85 miles. Using this route, you can expect to arrive in Portland in roughly an hour and a half depending on traffic.

The cost of the trip will depend on current gas prices, which as of October 2021, average around $3.09 per gallon in New Hampshire and around $3.30 per gallon in Maine. Based on these estimates, you can expect to pay around $16.50 in gas (using a car that gets an average of 30 miles to the gallon). Additionally, this route has a toll of $3 at the York Toll Plaza.

Distance: 85 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Gas Cost: $16.50
Toll Cost: $3

Route 2: Route 16 to Route 4 to I-95 South

If you're in the mood for a scenic drive and want to avoid tolls, try taking Route 16 to Route 4 to I-95 South. This route is a bit longer (about 100 miles), but it will give you the chance to see some stunning fall foliage and quaint New England towns along the way.

According to Google Maps, you can expect the drive to take around two hours and 15 minutes. Gas prices and MPG remain the same as our previous route, but this route does not have any tolls.

Distance: 100 miles
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Gas Cost: $22
Toll Cost: $0

Route 3: Route 3 to US Route 1 to I-295 South

If you're looking to split the difference in time and distance, then Route 3 to US Route 1 to I-295 South is the way to go. This route is approximately 95 miles in length and takes roughly two hours to complete. However, there are a few tolls involved, so be prepared to budget accordingly.

As of October 2021, average gas prices are still hovering around $3.09 per gallon in New Hampshire and $3.30 in Maine. Based on these estimates, you can expect to pay around $19.50 in gas. Toll prices on this route, however, are a bit steeper; you'll have to pay $1 for the Hampton Toll Plaza, $2.50 for the York Toll Plaza, and $1.50 for the New Gloucester Toll Plaza.

Distance: 95 miles
Time: 2 hours
Gas Cost: $19.50
Toll Cost: $5

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final tally for your trip? Well, that depends on the route you choose to take. In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $19 to $27 in gas and tolls, plus the cost of any food, drinks, or accommodations you might need along the way. Of course, the cost of your road trip is just one factor to consider when planning your adventure. With so much to see and do in Maine, spending a little extra money to get there may just be worth it in the end!