The Cost of a Trip Between Blairstown, NJ and Portland, ME Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning to travel from Blairstown, New Jersey to Portland, Maine? If so, you'll need to consider the cost of the trip, particularly the fuel cost, which can vary widely depending on the route you choose. In this article, we'll discuss the different possible routes you can take and highlight the cost and distance of each one, ultimately recommending the best route to take.

Route 1: Taking I-95 North

For those who prefer the direct route, taking I-95 North from Blairstown, New Jersey to Portland, Maine is the most straightforward route. The total distance you'll travel is approximately 370 miles, and the terrain consists of mostly highway driving. You'll first head north on I-287, then merge onto I-95, heading all the way up the East Coast until you reach Portland.

Based on current gas prices (October 2021), the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in New Jersey is $3.33 while in Maine, it is $3.20. If your car gets roughly 25 miles per gallon, you'll need to budget around $44 to $50 for gas one way, based on the current gas price. Assuming you don't run into any major traffic or detours, the total driving time is approximately six hours and 20 minutes.

Route 2: Taking I-80 to I-84, then North on I-91

Another possible route is to head west across New Jersey on I-80 to I-84, then head north on I-91 until you reach I-93 in Vermont, which will eventually take you to Portland. This route will take you through a mix of city driving, country roads, and highway. While this route is longer at approximately 550 miles total distance, it offers scenic drives and points of interest along the way.

Based on current gas prices, you should budget around $75 to $85 for gas one way if you take this longer route. The total driving time for this route is approximately ten hours one way.

Route 3: Using Back Roads and Scenic Byways

For those who want to take a more leisurely route, there are several options to explore. You can take the scenic back roads through New England and explore the small towns and landscapes. Some of the best routes for scenic byways include the Delaware Water Gap Scenic Byway, the Mohawk Trail, and the Acadia Byway. Taking these routes allows you to stop and explore along the way, which can add time to your trip.

While this route offers the most variety in terms of scenery and stops along the way, it is also the longest route at approximately 750 miles. Based on current gas prices, budget around $105 to $120 for gas one way if you take this route. The total driving time on this route will depend on how many stops you make.

Our Recommendation

Based on the distance, driving time, and cost, we recommend taking Route 1, which is the most direct and economical route to take. With approximately six hours and 20 minutes of driving time, you can be in Portland without having to stop and explore along the way. This route also has the least amount of traffic and is mostly highway driving.

In Conclusion

Regardless of the route you choose, remember to take into account current gas prices and plan accordingly. Driving from Blairstown, New Jersey to Portland, Maine, is doable in a single day, but it's important to take breaks along the way. Overall, we recommend planning your route in advance and bringing along a good map or GPS system to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Safe travels!