The Rising Cost of Travel between Boston, Massachusetts and Harwinton, Connecticut

Traveling between Boston, Massachusetts and Harwinton, Connecticut is a common route for many people. However, the cost of travel has been on the rise in recent years, mostly due to rising gas prices. In this article, we will break down the cost of a trip between the two cities and explore different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one.

Route One: The Shortest and Most Direct Route

The shortest and most direct route from Boston to Harwinton is just about 116 miles via I-84 W. The distance can usually be covered in slightly over 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. However, gas prices must also be considered. Currently, as of October 2021, the average gas price in Boston is $3.03 per gallon, while the cost of gas in Harwinton is slightly higher, at $3.08 per gallon.

Assuming a car’s average mileage varies from 25 to 30 miles per gallon, the cost of a round trip would likely be around $22. For the one-way trip, the cost would be between $11 and $13. Tolls are also an additional expense of this route, which must be considered. There is a small bridge toll of $1 to cross the highway bridge M-819 over the Connecticut River.

Route Two: The Boston Post Road Route

One can also opt to use the Boston Post Road route that stretches for 159 miles in total. As the name indicates, it follows the historic Boston Post Road, which was once used to transport mail and passengers between Boston and New York. This route is more scenic and is worth a drive if time is not a concern.

If a person takes this route, the driving distance will be significantly longer. However, factors such as speed limits and the number of stops reflect the real time it takes to drive from Boston to Harwinton. The trip along the Boston Post Road will take up to four hours, depending on the number of stops made.

Due to the longer distance, gas consumption is always likely to be higher here than the direct route. Furthermore, prices of gas stations may vary from location to location along this route. For instance, prices in Marlborough, the midpoint of this route, range from $3.06 to $3.32 per gallon. Factoring in the cost of gas and possibly one toll fee, the total cost for one way between Boston and Harwinton ranges from $15 to $20.

Route Three: The Scenic Route

The scenic route is just over 130 miles long, using highways such as I-90 W, I-84 W, and CT-4 W. This route is much more picturesque and provides magnificent views of the beautiful New England scenery. However, it requires extra time as the driving distance is slightly longer than the direct route.

The cost of this route differs from mile to mile and relies heavily on gas prices. Similar to the Boston Post Road route, gas prices also fluctuate when driving along this route. As of October 2021, gas prices range from $2.99 to $3.58 per gallon. However, using the highest gas prices, the fuel cost of this trip is estimated to be between $18 and $23.

Choosing the Best Route

Although the direct route is the quickest and shortest one, the scenic and Boston Post Road routes make the journey worth it if time is not your main concern. Not only do they take you through the beautiful countryside of New England, but they also offer plenty of attractions along the way.

The scenic route takes longer because it’s more meandering, but it allows you to move away from the urban buzz and immerse yourself in the untroubled beauty of nature. Furthermore, the Boston Post Road route is distinguished by the presence of many small towns and cities along the way, giving the chance to stop, shop and explore the local experiences. Ultimately, the best route is dependent on your schedule and what you are looking for in a trip.

Conclusion

Traveling from Boston to Harwinton can be estimated cost-wise based on various factors such as route selected and gas prices. Taking the direct route via I-84 W is the shortest and fastest, but also the most expensive since gas prices tend to vary significantly. The Boston Post Road route and the scenic route have their charm and provide beautiful views of New England's countryside and are perfect for a road trip. The journey can cost between $11 to $23, depending on the route and gas prices. Nevertheless, the cost is minimal compared to the memorable experiences one makes on the trip.