The Cost of a Trip Between Boston, Massachusetts and Ann Arbor, Michigan
If you're planning a trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Ann Arbor, Michigan, you're probably wondering what the cost will be. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to plan your route carefully to get the best deal. In this article, we'll explore the different routes you can take and give you an idea of how much you'll be spending.
Route Options
There are three main routes you can choose from when traveling between Boston and Ann Arbor: the Northern route, the Central route, and the Southern route.
Northern Route (via Canada)
Starting in Boston, you'll head north on the I-95 until you reach the Maine border. From there, you'll cross over into Canada and head west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 2). You'll continue on this route until you reach Sarnia, Ontario, where you'll cross the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River into Michigan. From there, it's a straight shot on the I-94 all the way to Ann Arbor.
Total Distance: 1090 miles Estimated Driving Time: 17 hours, 29 minutes Gas Cost (based on 25 mpg and $2.86/gallon): $184.12 Toll Costs: $0 (no tolls on this route)
Central Route
Starting in Boston, you'll head west on the I-90 (Massachusetts Pike) all the way to Cleveland, Ohio. From there, you'll take the I-480 West to the I-80 West and then the I-280 South to Toledo. Finally, you'll take the I-75 North to Ann Arbor.
Total Distance: 784 miles Estimated Driving Time: 12 hours, 15 minutes Gas Cost (based on 25 mpg and $2.86/gallon): $132.64 Toll Costs: $36.35 (includes tolls for the Massachusetts Pike, Ohio Turnpike, and Indiana Toll Road)
Southern Route
Starting in Boston, you'll head south on the I-95 all the way to the I-295, which will take you around Philadelphia. From there, you'll take the I-76 W towards Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You'll then take the I-70 W to Columbus, Ohio, and then head north on the I-71 to reach Ann Arbor.
Total Distance: 847 miles Estimated Driving Time: 13 hours, 22 minutes Gas Cost (based on 25 mpg and $2.86/gallon): $143.64 Toll Costs: $60.90 (includes tolls for the New Jersey Turnpike, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Ohio Turnpike)
Recommended Route
Based on the distances and costs outlined above, the Central route is the most efficient and cost-effective. While the Northern route may seem like a scenic opportunity, it adds almost 5 hours and over $50 to your trip. The Southern route, while being the shortest in distance, adds over an hour of driving time and more than double the toll costs.
Conclusion
No matter which route you choose, be sure to plan for pit stops and meals along the way. It's also important to keep in mind that gas prices may fluctuate, so the total cost of your trip could be slightly higher or lower than the estimates mentioned in this article.
Assuming you follow the recommended route, you should plan for a 12-hour and 15-minute drive from Boston to Ann Arbor with a total gas cost of $132.64 and toll costs of $36.35. Safe travels!