The Cost of a Trip between Beverly and Waltham: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling between Beverly and Waltham can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it comes with a financial cost in the form of gas prices. With the constant fluctuations in gas prices, planning your route can be difficult. Here is a breakdown of the different routes available, including the cost and distance of each, to help you make an informed decision.

Route 1: Taking MA-128/I-95

The first route to consider is taking MA-128/I-95 from Beverly to Waltham. This 42-mile journey takes about 45 minutes to complete. The route starts with taking MA-128 S from Beverly, then merging onto I-95 S towards Waltham.

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Massachusetts is currently $2.85 per gallon. To calculate the cost of this route, we’ll need to know the average gas mileage of your vehicle and the distance traveled. Let's assume that your vehicle has a gas mileage of 24 mpg. With that assumption, you would need 1.75 gallons of gas to complete this trip, resulting in a total cost of $4.99 for gas.

In addition to the gas cost, you may encounter tolls along the way. There are two tolls currently on this route. The first toll is located at the Massachusetts Turnpike, which costs $1.75, and the second toll is at Weston Toll Plaza, which costs $1.45. These tolls would add an additional $3.20 to the trip.

Overall, the cost for this trip (excluding other expenses like food or parking) is about $8.19.

Route 2: Taking MA-1A S and I-93 S

The second route to take is MA-1A S and I-93 S. This 38-mile journey takes about 50 minutes to complete. The route starts with taking MA-1A S from Beverly, then turning onto I-93 S towards Waltham.

Using GasBuddy's current gas prices, we can calculate that it would cost $4.58 for gas for this trip using the same assumptions as before. The tolls along this route include the Sumner Tunnel Toll of $1.75 and the Ted Williams Tunnel Toll of $1.75, which adds an additional $3.50 to the trip.

The total cost of this trip, without considering other expenses, is about $8.08.

Route 3: Taking US-1 S

The third and final route to consider is taking US-1 S. This 41-mile journey takes about an hour to complete. The route starts with taking US-1 S from Beverly, then turning onto MA-60 W and continuing onto Totten Pond Road in Waltham.

Based on current gas prices, this trip's fuel cost is about $4.75 using the same assumptions before. There are no tolls on this route, so the total cost is just the cost of gas, which is about $4.75.

Which Route Should You Take?

Based on the cost and distance comparison above, taking Route 3 (US-1 S) would be the most cost-effective route. Not only is it the cheapest option, but it's also the shortest trip in terms of distance. However, Route 1 would be the fastest option.

It's important to note that the actual cost of gas and tolls may vary depending on the time of year, and traffic conditions can change the amount of time it takes to complete the journey. To get a more accurate idea of how much your specific trip will cost, consider using a gas cost calculator or mapping software like Google Maps.

Conclusion

When budgeting for a trip from Beverly to Waltham, the cost of gas and tolls can make a big difference in your finances. With three possible routes to take, it's important to weigh the cost and distance of each option before making a decision. Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your priorities, whether it's saving money or getting to your destination quickly. Regardless of the route you choose, make sure to consider other expenses like food, parking, and accommodations if you plan on staying overnight. With some careful planning, you can have a fun and affordable trip to Waltham from Beverly.