The Cost of a Trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Farmington, New Hampshire

In today's fast-paced world, taking a road trip is often considered an exciting and cost-effective way to travel. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or visiting friends and family, it's important to consider the cost of your journey. Gas prices vary, and choosing the most economical route can save you money. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes between Boston, Massachusetts and Farmington, New Hampshire, and highlight the cost and distance of each alternative. Based on current gas prices, we'll recommend the best route for your trip.

Route 1: I-95 N and NH-16 N

One popular route between Boston and Farmington involves taking Interstate 95 North and then merging onto New Hampshire Route 16 North. This route is approximately 83.6 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, depending on traffic. Let's analyze the costs:

Gas Price Calculation

According to the AAA Gas Prices website, the average gas price in Massachusetts is currently $2.75 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is around 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route can be calculated as follows:

83.6 miles / 25 mpg = 3.34 gallons 3.34 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $9.185

Hence, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be approximately $9.19.

Route 2: I-93 N and NH-11

Another option to consider is taking Interstate 93 North and later turning onto New Hampshire Route 11. This route covers a distance of approximately 96.2 miles and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Let's calculate the cost for this route:

Gas Price Calculation

Using the same average gas price of $2.75 per gallon in Massachusetts and an assumed fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the calculation is as follows:

96.2 miles / 25 mpg = 3.85 gallons 3.85 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $10.5875

Therefore, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be approximately $10.59.

Route 3: I-95 N, I-495 N, and NH-16 N

If you prefer a longer but potentially more scenic route, you might consider taking Interstate 95 North, then switching onto Interstate 495 North, and finally merging onto New Hampshire Route 16 North. This route covers a distance of approximately 95.8 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Let's calculate the associated fuel costs:

Gas Price Calculation

Using the same average gas price of $2.75 per gallon in Massachusetts and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the calculation is as follows:

95.8 miles / 25 mpg = 3.832 gallons 3.832 gallons * $2.75 per gallon = $10.537

Thus, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be approximately $10.54.

Recommendation: Route 1

Based on both distance and fuel cost, Route 1 (I-95 N and NH-16 N) proves to be the most economical choice. While it may not be the shortest route, it offers a reasonable travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes and has the lowest estimated cost of gas at $9.19. This route also avoids potential traffic congestion on Interstate 93 and the slightly longer distance of Route 3.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Farmington, New Hampshire can be an affordable and enjoyable experience. By choosing the most cost-effective route, you can optimize your travel budget. After analyzing the three different options, we recommend Route 1 (I-95 N and NH-16 N) as the best choice for this particular journey. With an estimated gas cost of approximately $9.19, and a travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes, this route strikes the right balance of economy and convenience. So buckle up, hit the road, and enjoy your trip to Farmington, New Hampshire!