Driving Cost from Boston, Massachusetts to Medford, Massachusetts

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The Cost of a Trip Between Boston and Medford, Massachusetts

Heading from Boston to Medford in Massachusetts can be a smooth ride if you choose the best route. The distance between these two major cities in Massachusetts may be short, but the costs of getting there may vary. In this article, we will explore the different routes that you can choose and the amount you might spend depending on your mode of transportation, fuel efficiency type, and gas prices.

Calculation of Distance

The city distance between Boston and Medford is approximately 5.5 miles apart. Depending on traffic, the drive can take around 11 to 30 minutes. The shortest route is through I-93N for approximately 4.1 miles, while the longest is via MA-28 for 5.9 miles.

1. Driving Route (Personal Vehicle)

Driving your personal car is the most common way to move around the cities in Massachusetts, and it can also be the most affordable depending on your fuel economy and gas prices. For instance, if your car averages around 25 to 30 miles per gallon, you may spend $0.10-0.15 per mile to travel from Boston to Medford. That's around $0.55 to $0.85 if you take the shortest route and around $0.79 to $1.18 if you opt for the longest route.

If gas prices are the national average of $3.10 per gallon in Massachusetts and your car consumes 1 gallon every 30 miles, you will spend $1.03 for a one-way trip through the shortest route via I-93N and around $1.48 for the longest route via MA-28.

2. Public Transit

If you want to avoid the stress and cost of driving, Boston has an efficient public transit system. You can take the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus or train. A one-way bus or train ticket from Boston to Medford will cost you around $2 and will take around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the selected route.

3. Taxi or Ridesharing Services

Another option is to take a taxi or a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft. The ridesharing fare from Boston to Medford may cost between $13 to $16 depending on the service provider, the traffic, and the chosen route. However, taxi cabs may charge around $25 to $30 for the same route.

The shortest and most straightforward route is via I-93N, but the traffic can be bumper to bumper during peak hours. However, if you decide to choose the longest route via MA-28, you will be consuming more gas and spending more time driving.

After considering all factors that affect the trip cost, taking the MBTA bus or train is the most affordable option. You will pay only $2 or less and save the hassle of driving or spending more in taxi or ridesharing fare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving by car may be the most comfortable way of going to Medford, but it could also put a strain on your pockets. On the other hand, using public transportation has a cheaper fare, but the seats and ride quality may be less comfortable during peak hours.

The recommended route to save some cash without sacrificing your comfort and either a good option is to take the MBTA public transit. You will spend only around $2 and have a nice, leisurely ride to Medford.

Overall, heading to Medford from Boston, Massachusetts, doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking. You can choose the most convenient and cost-efficient mode of transportation depending on your situation and time preference.