Driving Cost from Bolton, Massachusetts to Belchertown, Massachusetts

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Bolton and Belchertown

If you plan to travel between Bolton and Belchertown in Massachusetts, there are different routes to choose from. The cost of the trip will depend on the mode of transportation you choose, the distance, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different routes, their respective costs, and recommend the best one.

Route Options

Route 1: MA-2 W

One of the easiest ways to get to Belchertown from Bolton is to take MA-2 W. This route is relatively straightforward and will take you through Concord, Acton, Littleton, Harvard, Gardner, and Orange. It's a distance of 66.2 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes. The route is mostly on highways, making it a faster option but may require you to make stops to pay tolls.

Route 2: I-495 N and MA-2 W

Another option is to take I-495 N and merge onto MA-2 W. This route will take you through Marlborough, Leominster, and Gardner before getting to Orange and onward to Belchertown. This route is approximately 72 miles and takes about an hour and 20 minutes.

Route 3: I-90 W and I-290 W

Finally, there is the option of taking I-90 W and I-290 W and then merging onto MA-122 N. This route is longer, approximately 81.4 miles, but may be faster depending on traffic conditions. The route takes about an hour and 30 minutes, including tolls, and will pass through Worcester and again on the way back on MA-122 N.

Cost Comparison

The cost of the trip between Bolton and Belchertown will depend on various factors such as the mode of transportation, the distance traveled, and the current gas prices. Below is a breakdown of the cost of each option based on a mid-size sedan that averages 25 miles per gallon and a gasoline price of $2.69/gallon:

  • Route 1: MA-2 W

    • Distance: 66.2 miles
    • Gas consumption: 2.65 gallons
    • Cost of gas: $7.13
    • Estimated total cost: $7.13

  • Route 2: I-495 N and MA-2 W

    • Distance: 72 miles
    • Gas consumption: 2.88 gallons
    • Cost of gas: $7.76
    • Estimated total cost: $7.76

  • Route 3: I-90 W, I-290 W, and MA-122 N

    • Distance: 81.4 miles
    • Gas consumption: 3.26 gallons
    • Cost of gas: $8.77
    • Estimated total cost: $8.77

Note: These estimates are based on gasoline prices as of August 2021 and may vary with fluctuations in gas prices.

Based on the distance and cost estimate, Route 1 is the recommended option. Although all the routes take nearly the same amount of time, Route 1 is the shortest and least expensive. The route uses highways, which means it's suitable for drivers who want to minimize travel time and get to their destination faster. If you prefer a more scenic route, a detour through Leominster and the Quabbin Reservoir makes Route 2 an excellent option.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Bolton and Belchertown, choosing the right route can save you both time and money. The three routes outlined in this article offer you different options to suit your travel needs. Based on our analysis, we recommend Route 1 due to its short distance and the fact that you will save money on gas compared to the other routes. The estimated time of arrival for each route ranges from 1 hour and 13 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, with Route 1 being the shortest.