Driving Cost from Billerica, Massachusetts to Douglas, Massachusetts

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Billerica and Douglas: Navigating Gas Prices

Introduction

Traveling between cities is not an uncommon occurrence in today’s society. Whether it’s for work, leisure or other reasons, most people have to take one or more trips between cities at some point in their lives. In Massachusetts, one such trip that is quite common is between Billerica and Douglas. The distance between these two cities is approximately 51 miles, and the cost of traveling can vary depending on factors such as mode of transportation, time of travel, and gas prices. This article will delve into the cost of a trip between Billerica and Douglas based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are different possible routes one can take when traveling between Billerica and Douglas, each with its unique characteristics. The most common routes are via highways such as Interstate 495 and Route 146. The distance varies depending on the route taken. Here are the routes, distances, and time estimations for each:

Route 1: Via I-495 S and MA-146 S (52 Mi, 1 h)

This route is 52 miles long, and it takes approximately one hour to get from Billerica to Douglas. One can take the following steps:

  1. Head southwest on Boston Rd toward Baldwin Rd.
  2. Turn left onto Treble Cove Rd.
  3. Turn right onto Talbot Ave.
  4. Use the right lane to take the MA-3 N/Interstate 495 S ramp to Cape Cod/Milford.
  5. Merge onto I-495 S.
  6. Take exit 21 for Route 122A/Main St toward Uxbridge/Milford.
  7. Turn left onto Route 122A/Main St (signs for Uxbridge).
  8. Turn right onto S Main St.
  9. Continue onto Sutton Ave.
  10. Turn right onto Munyan St.
  11. Turn left onto Gilboa St.
  12. Turn right onto Douglas Hill Way.
  13. Turn left onto Wallum Lake Rd.
  14. Turn right onto Davis St.
  15. Turn left onto Manchaug Rd.
  16. Turn right onto Maple St.
  17. Turn left onto NW Main St.
  18. Turn right onto Main St.

Route 2: Via MA-146 S (51.2 Mi, 1 h 4 min)

This route is almost similar to Route 1, but it’s shorter, covering a distance of 51.2 miles, and it takes about one hour and four minutes to travel it. The steps are as follows:

  1. Head southwest on Boston Rd toward Baldwin Rd.
  2. Turn left onto Treble Cove Rd.
  3. Turn right onto Talbot Ave.
  4. Use the right lane to take the MA-3 N/Interstate 495 S ramp to Cape Cod/Milford.
  5. Merge onto I-495 S.
  6. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 18 for Massachusetts 126 toward Bellingham/Medway.
  7. Keep right at the fork to continue on Exit 18B, follow signs for MA-126 S and merge onto MA-126 S/Pulaski Blvd.
  8. Turn right onto Hartford Ave E.
  9. Turn left onto Brookside Ave.
  10. Turn left to stay on Brookside Ave.
  11. Turn right onto West St/Mill St.
  12. Turn left onto Adams St.
  13. Continue straight onto Depot St.
  14. Continue onto Main St.
  15. Continue onto S Main St.
  16. Turn right onto Sutton Ave.
  17. Continue onto Wallum Lake Rd.
  18. Continue onto Davis St.
  19. Turn left onto Manchaug Rd.
  20. Turn right onto Maple St.
  21. Turn left onto NW Main St.
  22. Turn right onto Main St.

Route 3: Via MA-122 S and MA-16 E (59.2 Mi, 1 h 24 min)

This route is longer than the first two routes, covering a distance of 59.2 miles, and takes about one hour and twenty-four minutes to travel. However, it’s a worthwhile consideration as it is less congested, especially during peak hours. The steps are as follows:

  1. Head northeast on Pollard St toward Cook St.
  2. Turn right onto Cook St.
  3. Turn left onto Cummings Rd.
  4. Turn right onto Concord Rd.
  5. Turn left onto MA-129 N/MA-3A N.
  6. Turn right onto Wildwood Rd.
  7. Turn left onto Andover Rd.
  8. Turn right onto MA-125 S/Main St.
  9. Turn left onto Lynn St.
  10. Turn right onto Sharpe St.
  11. Turn right onto MA-122 S/Whitinsville Rd.
  12. Turn left onto Blackstone St.
  13. Turn right onto Elmwood St.
  14. Continue onto Birch St.
  15. Turn left onto Main St.
  16. Continue onto Jones St.
  17. Continue onto Main St.
  18. Turn right onto MA-16 E.
  19. Turn left onto S Main St.
  20. Turn left onto Franklin St.
  21. Turn right onto NW Main St.
  22. Turn left onto Main St.

Cost of Travel

The cost of travel between Billerica and Douglas can vary significantly, depending on different factors. One of the most significant factors is gas prices. As of the time of writing this article, the average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.87 per gallon. Here is a breakdown of the cost of travel for each route (gas prices are based on the 2021 average):

Route 1: Via I-495 S and MA-146 S (52 Mi, 1 h)

Assuming a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $2.87 per gallon, the cost of a one-way trip from Billerica to Douglas would be about $5.78. This means that a round trip would cost approximately $11.56 in gas alone.

Route 2: Via MA-146 S (51.2 Mi, 1 h 4 min)

Similarly, assuming a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $2.87 per gallon, the cost of a one-way trip from Billerica to Douglas would be about $5.75. Therefore, a round trip from Billerica to Douglas via this route would cost approximately $11.50.

Route 3: Via MA-122 S and MA-16 E (59.2 Mi, 1 h 24 min)

Assuming a gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and an average gas price of $2.87 per gallon, the cost of a one-way trip from Billerica to Douglas would be approximately $6.66. Therefore, traveling to Douglas and back from Billerica using this route would cost approximately $13.32 in gas alone.

Based on the cost of travel and distance, it is recommended that travelers use Route 2, which is the shortest route in terms of distance and only four minutes’ longer travel time than Route 1. Additionally, Route 2 and Route 1 share the same route from Billerica until just after the merger between Interstate 495 and MA-126 S/Pulaski Blvd. Therefore, for travelers looking for a balance between economy and time, Route 2 is more suited for them.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Billerica and Douglas varies depending on different factors such as gas prices, mode of transportation, time of travel, and the route chosen. This article recommends using Route 2 as it is the shortest distance and the most economical route to get to Douglas from Billerica. Based on the distance, time, and cost calculations, it is evident that the cost of traveling to Douglas from Billerica via any of the three routes is not exorbitant. In the end, the final decision of the route to use, and mode of transportation will be dependent on the traveler’s specific needs and requirements.