The Cost of a Road Trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Buffalo, New York in 2021
Traveling from Boston, Massachusetts, to Buffalo, New York, is a journey spanning approximately 400 miles. Admittedly, there are several routes one can take, but the cost in gas and time should determine the road to follow. In this article, we'll be discussing the various routes to take on a trip from Boston to Buffalo and the cost involved.
Route 1: MA Pike to NY Thruway
This route is the most direct, taking you through one of the country's most straightforward highways - Massachusetts Turnpike, also known as Interstate 90, and ending on the New York State Thurway - Interstate 87. This route takes approximately 6 hrs, depending on traffic. For the purpose of this article, we estimate fuel consumption to range between 20 to 25 miles per gallon (mpg) for an average car.
Distance: 400 miles (give or take)
Fuel Consumption (One Way): 16 gallons
Fuel Cost (at $3.20 per gallon): $51.2 to $60.48
Toll Fee (Weston to Williamsville): $43.50
Total Cost (One Way): $94.7 to $103.98
Route 2: MA Pike to Route 20
Asides from being an alternative to the Massachusetts Turnpike, Route 20 takes you through several small towns which makes the journey a little bit interesting and different from the one on the turnpike. From Route 20, take a left onto U.S Route 219 and continue towards the New York State Thurway - Interstate 90. This route consumes more time but can be fun for the adventurous types who like to explore new sights and possibilities.
Distance: 414 miles
Fuel Consumption (One Way): 20.7 to 25.9 gallons
Fuel Cost (at $3.20 per gallon): $66.24 to $83.04
Toll Fee: None
Total Cost (One Way): $66.24 to 83.0
Route 3: Hartford to Syracuse
There are a couple of different routes one can take to Syracuse from Hartford. Some of them include taking I-90, I-95, or I-84, depending on the point where you started from. This route is convenient for those who started in areas closer to Hartford. From Syracuse, it is just an hour's drive to Buffalo.
Distance: Approximately 422 miles
Fuel Consumption (One Way): 21.1 to 26.5 gallons
Fuel Cost (at $3.20 per gallon): $67.52 to $84.80
Toll Fee (Hartford to Buffalo): $12.60
Total Cost (One Way): $80.12 to $97.40
Note: The I-90 route has no toll fees, hence the significant difference in cost between using I-90 or I-84.
Route 4: Take the Scenic Route
If you have time on your hands and want a scenic route from Boston to Buffalo, this route will take you on the Taconic Parkway through the Catskill Mountains. From there, you can take Route 17/86 through the Southern Tier of New York and enter Buffalo through Route 219. This route can, however, add up to 2 hours to the journey time.
Distance: Approximately 483 miles
Fuel Consumption (One Way): 24.15 to 30.1 gallons
Fuel Cost (at $3.20 per gallon): $77.28 to $96.32
Toll Fee: None
Total Cost (One Way): $77.28 to $96.32
It is important to note that driving costs vary, including but not limited to the type of car, gas prices at the time of the trip, and the speed on the highway. Nonetheless, we have provided an approximate cost guide for all routes.
The Best Route
After considering all the factors, including driving time, fuel consumption, and toll fees, we recommend taking Route 1: MA Pike to NY Thruway. This route is the most direct, which is worth considering if you intend to take a straight drive to Buffalo. In the event of light traffic, this route should take approximately 6 hours, which makes it the fastest option.
Conclusion
In summary, we have examined the four possible routes from Boston to Buffalo and the cost involved. The direct MA Pike to NY Thruway route is the most efficient, which is essential for travelers that want to arrive in Buffalo quickly. Nonetheless, other routes will satisfy those who want to explore some new towns and have an adventurous trip. Whichever you choose, we hope this guide helps you plan your road trip to Buffalo, New York.