The Cost of a Trip Between Biddeford, Maine and Keene, New Hampshire

Are you planning to travel between Biddeford, Maine, and Keene, New Hampshire? It's always best to plan ahead for the expenses involved in transportation. Whether you're driving, taking a bus or train, or using a ride-sharing service, the cost of your trip can vary based on the mode of transportation, route, distance, and gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Biddeford and Keene and recommend the best route for your budget.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes you can take between Biddeford and Keene. The most direct route is to take I-95 South to I-495 West, then I-93 North to NH-101 West, and finally, NH-12 North to Keene. This route covers a distance of approximately 115 miles and takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes without traffic. However, depending on your location in Biddeford and your final destination in Keene, there may be other routes that are more suitable for you.

Another possible route is to take US-202 West from Biddeford to NH-9 West, then US-10 West to Keene. This route covers a distance of approximately 132 miles and takes about 3 hours without traffic. While it may be a longer route, it may be a more scenic drive that allows you to see more of the region's natural beauty.

Lastly, you could take US-1 South from Biddeford to Portsmouth, NH, then I-95 North to NH-101 West and NH-12 North to Keene. This route covers a distance of approximately 142 miles and takes about 3 hours without traffic. While it is the longest route, it may be a good option if you plan to stop in Portsmouth or if you experience traffic on the other routes.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of a trip between Biddeford and Keene depends on several factors, such as the mode of transportation, vehicle type, gas prices, and tolls. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved in the different routes:

Direct Route

If you're driving a car, the direct route on I-95 South, I-495 West, I-93 North, NH-101 West, and NH-12 North has the following costs:

Gas: Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, you would need 4.6 gallons for a one-way trip, costing approximately $14.
Tolls: There is one major toll plaza on this route, which is the Hampton Toll Plaza on I-95 South. The cost of the toll varies depending on the time of day and type of vehicle, but it typically ranges from $2.50 to $4.00 for a standard passenger car. Therefore, you would need to budget an additional $5 to $8 for tolls, depending on when you travel.

If you're taking a bus, Greyhound, Concord Coach Lines, and other companies offer regular services between Biddeford and Keene. The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from $25 to $40, depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book.

If you're taking a train, the closest station to Biddeford is the Saco station, which is serviced by Amtrak's Downeaster line. From there, you can take the train to Boston North Station, then transfer to the Peterborough or Brattleboro station, both of which are about 30 minutes away from Keene by car or bus. The cost of a one-way train ticket from Saco to North Station ranges from $19 to $31, depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book. The cost of a one-way bus or ride-sharing service from North Station to Keene may vary.

US-202 Route

If you're driving a car, the US-202 West and US-10 West route has the following costs:

Gas: Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, you would need 5.3 gallons for a one-way trip, costing approximately $16.
Tolls: There are no major tolls on this route, so you wouldn't need to pay any additional fees.

US-1 Route

If you're driving a car, the US-1 South, I-95 North, NH-101 West, and NH-12 North route has the following costs:

Gas: Based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, you would need 6.5 gallons for a one-way trip, costing approximately $20.
Tolls: There are several major tolls on this route, including the New Hampshire Seacoast Tolls, which costs $6.50 for a standard passenger car, and the Hampton Toll Plaza, which costs $3.50 to $6.50 depending on the time and vehicle type. Therefore, you would need to budget an additional $10 to $15 for tolls, depending on when you travel.

If you're taking a bus, Greyhound, Concord Coach Lines, and other companies offer regular services between Biddeford, Portsmouth, and Keene. The cost of a one-way ticket ranges from $30 to $50, depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book.

Best Route

Based on the cost breakdown and distance, the direct route on I-95 South, I-495 West, I-93 North, NH-101 West, and NH-12 North is the most economical for those traveling by car. However, if you want to take a more scenic route or stop in Portsmouth, the US-202 West and US-1 South routes are also viable options.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a trip between Biddeford and Keene can vary depending on the mode of transportation, route, gas prices, and tolls. By planning ahead and considering the costs involved, you can budget accordingly and make the most of your trip. The direct route on I-95 South, I-495 West, I-93 North, NH-101 West, and NH-12 North is the most cost-effective for those traveling by car, but the US-202 West and US-1 South routes are also worth considering for their scenic views and stops in Portsmouth. However, keep in mind that traffic, weather, and other factors may affect the actual cost and duration of your trip.