The Cost of a Boston to Erie Road Trip: Exploring Your Options

Traveling between Boston, Massachusetts and Erie, Pennsylvania might seem like a daunting task, especially if you're on a budget. This guide aims to provide you with information on the various routes you can take, and how much each option might cost.

Option 1: Taking the Fastest Route

If you're looking for the quickest way to get from Boston to Erie, Route 90 is the way to go. This route is 590 miles long, and will take approximately 9 hours to drive, assuming regular traffic and no stops.

As of August 2021, the cost of a gallon of gas in Massachusetts is $3.11, and in Pennsylvania it is $3.20. Assuming your car gets about 30 miles to the gallon, it means you'll need around 20 gallons to drive down Route 90. That's approximately $62 in gas costs.

You should also consider any tolls you might encounter on this route. There are several toll booths along Route 90, and the total cost of tolls is approximately $40.

In total, the cost of taking Route 90 from Boston to Erie is around $102 in gas and toll expenses.

Option 2: Taking the Scenic Route

If you have some extra time and want to enjoy a scenic drive, you might want to consider Route 20 as an alternative to Route 90. Route 20 will take you through small towns and beautiful landscapes, and is around 665 miles long.

Assuming regular traffic and no stops, it will take you approximately 12 hours to drive from Boston to Erie on Route 20.

The cost of gas and tolls along this route is slightly higher than on Route 90. It will cost you approximately $70 in gas and $40 in tolls, for a total of $110.

While this route might take a little longer and cost a little bit more than Route 90, it's worth considering if you're looking for a more scenic option.

Option 3: Taking the Cheapest Route

If you're on a tight budget and want to save as much money as possible, you can consider taking the cheapest route. This would involve taking Route 84 to Scranton, then switching to Route 81 until you reach Route 90, which will take you straight to Erie.

This route is approximately 640 miles long, and will take you around 11 hours to drive, assuming regular traffic and no stops.

The gas cost for this route is slightly lower than Route 90, since you'll be driving through Pennsylvania for most of the trip. Assuming gas prices of $3.20 per gallon, you'll need approximately 19 gallons of gas, for a total cost of $61.

There are several tolls along this route, and you'll need to budget around $30 for tolls.

In total, the cost of taking the cheapest route from Boston to Erie is around $91 in gas and toll expenses.

Recommendation: Choose Route 90

While all three routes have their advantages and disadvantages, we recommend taking Route 90 for its convenience and speed. It's the quickest and most straightforward route, and although it's a little bit more expensive than the cheapest option, the tolls and gas prices are reasonable enough to justify the extra cost.

Conclusion: Arriving in Erie

Whichever route you choose, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful drive that showcases the best of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York. After traveling over 500 miles, you can expect to arrive in Erie within 9 to 12 hours, depending on your chosen route and any stops you make along the way. With plenty of sights to see along the way, this is sure to be a memorable road trip that won't break the bank.