Boston to Marshfield: A Cost Analysis of Traveling on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Boston to Marshfield in Massachusetts, while not a long distance, can still incur a significant cost for those who rely on gasoline to travel. The cost of the trip is largely dependent on the chosen route, current gas prices, and the type of vehicle used. In this article, we will look at various routes available and the cost of taking them based on current gas prices. We will also provide insights on the best route to take and wrap up with a conclusion on the duration and convenience of the chosen route.

Possible Routes

There are three primary routes for traveling from Boston to Marshfield. The first route is via MA-3 South, which is the most direct and shortest route, with an estimated distance of 27 miles. The second route is via US-3 and MA-3A South. This route covers approximately 35 miles and is relatively slower than the first route. The third route involves taking MA-3 South and Hingham Street, also known as Route 19, with an estimated distance of 31 miles.

Route 1: MA-3 South

Taking this route is the most direct and quickest way to get to Marshfield from Boston. The trip takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. On this route, you will encounter two toll booths, which cost $1.50 each, totaling $3.00 for a one-way trip. Additionally, the cost of gasoline will vary depending on your vehicle type and current gas prices. Taking a car with a fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (MPG), current gas prices of $3.00 per gallon, and a one-way distance of 27 miles, the fuel cost totals $8.10.

Route 2: US-3 and MA-3A South

This route takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. You will encounter three toll booths on this route, costing $1.50 each, totaling $4.50 for a one-way trip. With an estimated distance of 35 miles, the fuel cost will increase compared to Route 1. Using the same parameters as above, the cost of gas for a one-way trip totals approximately $10.50.

Route 3: MA-3 South and Hingham Street

This route takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions on Hingham Street. This route has no toll booths, so the travel is free of charge. However, the distance is longer than Route 1, with an estimated distance of 31 miles. The fuel cost for this route is $9.30 with the same parameters as Route 1.

Best Route

Based on the distance, time, and cost analysis above, Route 1, which is via MA-3 South, is the best route to take. It is the quickest, most direct, and cheapest of the three routes. Although it involves paying tolls, the overall cost of the trip is still lower than the other routes. The other two routes have more toll booths, more miles to cover, and consequently, incur higher fuel costs. Also, when looking at the time factor, Route 1 takes the least amount of time to travel, which makes it convenient for those who need to get to Marshfield urgently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling from Boston to Marshfield has several factors that affect the cost of the trip. The selected route, current gas prices, and type of vehicle all influence the overall cost. Among the three routes covered in this article, the most cost-efficient one is via MA-3 South. It is the quickest and most direct route to take, and though it has toll booths, the savings on the fuel cost more than makes up for it. A trip from Boston to Marshfield via MA-3 South takes about 30-40 minutes, and the total cost of the trip, including tolls and gas, is approximately $11.10 for a one-way trip.