The Cost of a Trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Harvard, Massachusetts in Today’s Gas Prices

If you’re planning a trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Harvard, Massachusetts, one of the main things you’ll need to factor in is the cost of gas. Depending on the route you take and the type of vehicle you’re driving, you could end up spending a few dollars or a lot more. In this article, we’ll explore the different possible routes you can take between these two cities, the cost of each one, and recommend our preferred option based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Take MA-2 W

The first option is taking MA-2 West. This route will take you through Cambridge and Lexi ngton and then up to Harvard.

The distance between Boston and Cambridge is approximately 5 miles. If you’re driving a standard car that gets around 28 miles per gallon (mpg) and gas costs $3 per gallon, you should expect to pay around $0.54 per mile for gas - come to roughly $2.70 for the whole trip.

From Cambridge, the drive to Harvard is approximately 5 miles, for a total distance of 10 miles from Boston. Adding the 5 miles to Harvard, the total trip distance is around 15 miles. This means you should expect to pay around $8.10 for gas. Keep in mind the prices could vary if gas prices increase or decrease.

Route 2: Take I-93 N to MA-2 W

Another option is taking I-93 North to MA-2 West. This route will take you through Belmont and Lexington before you get to Harvard.

The distance from Boston to Belmont is approximately 8 miles. If you’re driving a standard car that gets around 28 mpg and gas costs $3 per gallon, you should expect to pay around $0.54 per mile for gas, costing roughly $4.32 for the whole trip.

From Belmont to Harvard is approximately 7 miles, for a total distance of about 15 miles. This means you should expect to pay around $8.10 for gas.

Route 3: Take MA-2 W via Alewife Station

Another option is taking MA-2 West via Alewife Station. This route will take you through Cambridge and Lexington before arriving in Harvard.

The distance from Boston to Alewife Station is approximately 7 miles. If you’re driving a standard car that gets around 28 mpg and gas costs $3 per gallon, you should expect to pay around $0.54 per mile for gas - costing roughly $3.78 for the whole trip.

From Alewife Station to Harvard is approximately 9 miles, for a total distance of about 16 miles. This means you should expect to pay around $8.64 for gas.

Route 4: Take the Red Line on the MBTA

The final option is to take the Red Line on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). This will take you directly from Boston to Harvard without needing to worry about gas or driving.

The cost of the round trip will be around $5.50, so it’s the cheapest option. However, keep in mind that the duration of the trip will be influenced by the schedule and the trains that you take.

Our Recommendation

Of these four options, we recommend taking the Red Line on the MBTA. Not only is it the most affordable option, but you also don't have to worry about traffic.

If you're driving, the best route would be Route 1: Taking MA-2 West via Cambridge. This route is the shortest distance and has a total of 15 miles to Harvard. This route also avoids main highways such as I-93, which can be a hassle in terms of traffic.

Conclusion

The cost of a trip between Boston, Massachusetts, and Harvard, Massachusetts, can vary based on the route you choose and the cost of gas. If you're looking for an affordable option with no worries about driving or traffic, we recommend taking the Red Line on the MBTA. If driving is your priority, then the best option would be to take Route 1 via Cambridge, MA-2 West. Regardless of the option you choose, make sure to fill up the tank and have fun on your trip!