The Cost of a Trip Between Bolton, Ontario and Thorold, Ontario in Today's Gas Prices

Planning a trip can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to estimating the cost of the journey. One of the most significant factors to consider when estimating travel expenses is fuel cost. This article aims to explore the cost of a trip between Bolton, Ontario and Thorold, Ontario, based on current gas prices. We'll delve into the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one, and then recommend the best course of action. So buckle up and let's hit the road!

The Different Possible Routes

When travelling from Bolton, Ontario to Thorold, Ontario, there are a few options to get from one location to the other. These routes include:

Route 1: Taking the QEW

One of the most common routes people take is the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) highway. This road stretches from Windsor to the Ontario-Quebec border and runs through a few major cities, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls. When taking this route, the distance between Bolton and Thorold is approximately 117 kilometres, and the estimated travel time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Route 2: Taking the 406

Another route that some people take is the 406 highway. This road links St. Catharines to Thorold and is a convenient route for those travelling from Southwestern Ontario towards Niagara Falls. When travelling from Bolton to Thorold using this route, the distance is approximately 130 kilometres, and the estimated travel time is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Route 3: Taking the Back Roads

Some people prefer to avoid larger highways and opt to take back roads. This route takes significantly longer than the previous two as it is a more indirect way to get from Bolton to Thorold. When taking the back roads, the distance between the two locations is approximately 140 kilometres, and the estimated travel time is roughly 2 hours.

The Cost of Each Route

Now that we have explored the different possible routes, we can take a closer look at the cost of each one. According to the Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) gas prices website, as of August 2021, the average cost of gas in Ontario is $1.33 per litre. With this in mind, let’s run some calculations for each route based on a vehicle that averages 9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Route 1: QEW

When taking the QEW from Bolton to Thorold, the distance is roughly 117 kilometres. This distance would require approximately 10.53 litres of gas, which at $1.33 per litre, would cost approximately $14.01. This cost is based on one-way travel; therefore, the total round-trip gas cost would be approximately $28.02.

Route 2: 406

When taking the 406 highway from Bolton to Thorold, the distance is roughly 130 kilometres. This distance would require approximately 11.7 litres of gas, which at $1.33 per litre, would cost approximately $15.51. This cost is based on one-way travel; therefore, the total round-trip gas cost would be approximately $31.02.

Route 3: Back Roads

When taking the back roads from Bolton to Thorold, the distance is roughly 140 kilometres. This distance would require approximately 12.6 litres of gas, which at $1.33 per litre, would cost approximately $16.74. This cost is based on one-way travel; therefore, the total round-trip gas cost would be approximately $33.48.

Recommendation

Based on the calculations, the most cost-effective route is the QEW, with a total round-trip gas cost of approximately $28.02. Not only is it the cheapest option, but it is also the fastest, with an estimated travel time of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Taking the back roads, while scenic, adds an additional hour of travel time and an extra $5.46 in gas cost. For those who are crunching numbers and looking to save on travel expenses, sticking to the QEW is the best option.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip from Bolton, Ontario to Thorold, Ontario, can vary depending on the route taken and current gas prices. After exploring the different possible routes and the cost of each one, it is evident that the most cost-effective and most efficient way to travel is via the QEW. The estimated travel time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the total round-trip gas cost is approximately $28.02. So next time you are planning a trip from Bolton to Thorold, consider taking the QEW. Safe travels!