Calculating the Cost of a Road Trip Between Blue Hill, Maine and Cleveland, Ohio
If you are considering a road trip between Blue Hill, Maine and Cleveland, Ohio, it is important to factor in the cost of the trip. Fuel, lodging, and food expenses can quickly add up, but the good news is that there are several routes to choose from that can affect the cost of the trip. In this article, we will break down the cost of each route and recommend the best one for your travel needs.
Route Options
There are four main route options when driving between Blue Hill, Maine and Cleveland, Ohio:
- Option 1 - via I-95S and I-90W
- Option 2 - via I-95S, I-295S, I-495S, and I-90W
- Option 3 - via US-1S, I-95S, I-495S, and I-90W
- Option 4 - via US-1S, I-95S, I-287W, and I-80W
Each route has its own pros and cons in terms of distance and cost. Let’s break them down.
Option 1 - via I-95S and I-90W
This route is the shortest and most direct. The distance is 732 miles and the estimated travel time is 12 hours and 30 minutes. Most of the route is highway driving, which means there are fewer opportunities for scenic detours.
The fuel cost for this route is estimated to be around $113, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and a gas price of $2.40 per gallon. This estimate is based on the assumption that the car will need to be refueled once in each direction, and the fuel consumption will be consistent throughout the trip.
Lodging costs can vary, depending on how many stops you make and the type of accommodation you prefer. Budget options like Motel 6 or Super 8 can cost around $50-70 per night. Mid-range options like Best Western or Holiday Inn can cost around $100-120 per night. Luxury options like Hilton or Marriott can cost $200-300 per night.
Finally, food and drinks expenses can vary depending on whether you choose to eat at fast food chains or local restaurants. Assuming three meals a day, with a combination of fast food and sit-down meals, you can expect to spend around $30-50 per day.
Option 2 - via I-95S, I-295S, I-495S, and I-90W
This route adds an extra 100 miles of driving but may offer more scenic detours and rest areas. The distance is 827 miles and the estimated travel time is 14 hours and 40 minutes.
The fuel cost for this route is estimated to be around $126, based on the same assumptions as Option 1.
Lodging costs may be slightly higher due to the longer driving time.
Food and drinks expenses will be similar to Option 1.
Option 3 - via US-1S, I-95S, I-495S, and I-90W
This route is the longest and most indirect but may offer more scenic detours. The distance is 1,140 miles and the estimated travel time is 20 hours and 30 minutes.
The fuel cost for this route is estimated to be around $173, based on the same assumptions as Option 1.
Lodging costs may be significantly higher due to the longer driving time.
Food and drinks expenses will be similar to Option 1.
Option 4 - via US-1S, I-95S, I-287W, and I-80W
This route offers an alternative to driving through Massachusetts and may have less traffic. The distance is 1,042 miles and the estimated travel time is 18 hours and 30 minutes.
The fuel cost for this route is estimated to be around $160, based on the same assumptions as Option 1.
Lodging costs may be slightly higher due to the longer driving time.
Food and drinks expenses will be similar to Option 1.
Recommended Route
Based on these estimates, the best route for the Blue Hill, Maine to Cleveland, Ohio road trip is Option 1 - via I-95S and I-90W. This route offers the shortest travel time, lower fuel costs, and common lodging and food options along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a road trip between Blue Hill, Maine and Cleveland, Ohio can vary depending on the route, with the cheapest option being via I-95S and I-90W. By factoring in fuel, lodging, and food expenses, you can better budget for your trip and enjoy the scenic detours along the way. The estimated travel time for this route is 12 hours and 30 minutes, but this may vary depending on traffic and how many stops you choose to make.