The Cost of a Trip Between Boston and Arlington, Massachusetts

With the increasing gas prices, it's important to calculate the cost of your trip before hitting the road. If you're planning a trip between Boston and Arlington in Massachusetts, you need to consider the various factors that affect the cost of your trip. These factors include the route, traffic, gas prices, tolls, and parking fees.

Possible Routes

There are three different routes you can take when traveling between Boston and Arlington, Massachusetts. Each route offers a different distance, travel time, and cost.

Route 1: Via MA-2 W and I-95 S

This route is the shortest, covering approximately 14.2 miles. It will take you approximately 22 minutes to drive this route without traffic. However, rush hour traffic can significantly slow you down on this route.

You'll start by taking MA-2 W from Boston, then you'll merge onto I-95 S toward Dedham. Finally, take exit 29A for MA-2A toward Arlington, and follow the signs to Arlington.

Route 2: Via MA-2 W and US-3 S

This route is relatively longer, covering approximately 19.5 miles, but it has less traffic compared to route 1. It will take you approximately 28 minutes to drive this route without traffic.

You'll start by taking MA-2 W from Boston, then you'll merge onto US-3 S toward Burlington/Nashua. You'll continue straight on US-3 S until you reach Exit 29 toward MA-2A/Arlington, then follow the signs to Arlington.

Route 3: Via I-90 W and MA-2 W

This is the longest route, covering approximately 23.7 miles, but it has less traffic compared to the other two routes. It will take you approximately 31 minutes to drive this route without traffic.

You'll start by taking the Massachusetts Turnpike I-90 W from Boston, then you'll take exit 17 toward Newton/Watertown. Finally, you'll take MA-2 W to your destination in Arlington.

Cost Estimates

The cost of your trip between Boston and Arlington depends on several factors, including the distance, gas prices, tolls, and parking fees.

To calculate the cost, we'll estimate that the average car gets 25 miles per gallon of gas, and we'll use the current gas prices in Massachusetts as of August 2021, which average $3.09 per gallon.

Route 1: Via MA-2 W and I-95 S

Assuming you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and you travel approximately 14.2 miles, you'll use roughly 0.5 gallons of gas for one trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be around $1.50 for one way.

As for tolls, there are no tolls on this route. Finally, you'll have to pay parking fees, which may range from $5 to $15, depending on the parking lot.

Route 2: Via MA-2 W and US-3 S

Assuming you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and you travel approximately 19.5 miles, you'll use roughly 0.7 gallons of gas for one trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be around $2.17 for one way.

As for tolls, you'll need to pay $1.50 at the Burlington toll booth. Finally, you'll have to pay parking fees, which may range from $5 to $15, depending on the parking lot.

Route 3: Via I-90 W and MA-2 W

Assuming you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, and you travel approximately 23.7 miles, you'll use roughly 0.9 gallons of gas for one trip. Therefore, the cost of gas will be around $2.78 for one way.

As for tolls, you'll need to pay $3.70 at the Weston toll booth. Finally, you'll have to pay parking fees, which may range from $5 to $15, depending on the parking lot.

Recommendation

The best route to take when traveling between Boston and Arlington depends on your specific situation. If you're looking for the shortest route and don't mind dealing with traffic, then Route 1 is the best for you. If you're looking for a route that is longer but has less traffic, then Route 2 is the best for you. If you're looking for a route with no traffic and don't mind paying tolls, then Route 3 is the best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of your trip between Boston and Arlington depends on several factors, as outlined above. Different routes will result in different costs, but our estimates show that the cost of gas and tolls will range between $1.50 and $6.20, depending on which route you take. In addition, parking fees may also add to your overall cost. We recommend that you use these estimates to plan your trip and budget accordingly. Safe travels!