The Cost of a Trip between Boston and East Brookfield: Navigating Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Boston and East Brookfield, Massachusetts, one of the most significant factors to consider is the cost of fuel. Gas prices can fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year, location, and global events. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is $3.01 per gallon. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each, ultimately recommending the most cost-effective route for your trip.

The Routes: An Overview

There are three main routes you can take between Boston and East Brookfield. Route 90, Route 9, and Route 20. While each has its benefits and drawbacks, the main factor to consider is the distance and cost of the fuel required to travel each route.

Route 90

Route 90, also known as the Massachusetts turnpike, is the quickest route between Boston and East Brookfield at approximately 60 miles. To take this route, you will leave from the center of Boston and head west on Route 90. While it is the fastest and most direct route, it is also the most expensive. Currently, there are seven tolls you will have to pay, which total $27.85 one way for a standard vehicle. Additionally, you will need to budget for the cost of gas for the trip. The distance is short, so the cost of gas is relatively low, approximately $6-7 each way.

Route 9

Route 9 is an alternative to Route 90, though it takes longer. This route is approximately 70 miles long and primarily follows Route 9 through several towns and cities, including Framingham, Worcester, and Shrewsbury. While this route avoids tolls, it has several traffic lights, which can slow travel times and increases the total distance traveled. The cost of gas for the trip is approximately $9 each way.

Route 20

The final route you can take is Route 20, the longest of all three routes, at approximately 80 miles. It follows Route 20 and passes through several towns, including Marlborough, Northborough, and Auburn. This route takes the longest time, but it is also the most scenic, with opportunities to stop and enjoy local attractions along the way. The cost of gas for this route is approximately $10 each way.

Recommendations: Best Route

While each route has its benefits, we recommend taking Route 9 between Boston and East Brookfield. While it is slightly longer than Route 90, it avoids tolls and does not have as many traffic lights as Route 20. Additionally, it has a lower cost for gas, which will help save money in the long run.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Boston and East Brookfield varies depending on the route you choose to take. While Route 90 is the quickest option, it also has the highest toll cost and a relatively small distance between the two towns. Route 9 is longer but has no toll costs, while Route 20 is the scenic option, but it takes much longer to reach East Brookfield. Our recommendations are to take Route 9 due to its low cost of gas and no tolls. Overall, you can expect to spend around $20-25 on gas, and the trip should take around 1 hour and 30 minutes with moderate traffic. Happy travels!