The Cost of a Trip Between Boston, MA and North Providence, RI based on Gas Prices

Traveling from Boston, Massachusetts to North Providence, Rhode Island is a common trip taken by those residing in the Northeastern region of the United States. With multiple routes to choose from, figuring out the most efficient and cost-effective way to make the trip can be a challenge.

Routes

There are three main routes to consider when traveling between Boston and North Providence: I-95, Route 1, and Route 146. Each route has its own set of pros and cons to consider.

I-95

I-95 is the most direct route, taking travelers straight through Providence and North Providence. However, it is also the most congested, especially during peak traffic hours. The distance between Boston and North Providence via I-95 is approximately 50 miles.

Route 1

Route 1 offers a more scenic route with a winding road through the towns of Dedham, Norwood, and Walpole before heading into Rhode Island. This route is roughly 55 miles long and can be a slower drive due to the lower speed limit and potential traffic on Route 1.

Route 146

Route 146 is a less commonly used route. It avoids the congestion of I-95, and bypasses the small, winding roads of Route 1. It runs through Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes a more western direction to reach North Providence. The distance of this route is approximately 58 miles.

Gas Prices

The cost of gas is an important consideration when deciding which route to take. To calculate the cost of gas for each route, we must first determine the average miles per gallon (MPG) of the vehicle and the current cost of gas.

According to fueleconomy.gov, the average MPG for a passenger vehicle in the United States is around 24 MPG. As of August 2021, the average cost of gas in Massachusetts is $3.04 per gallon, and the average cost of gas in Rhode Island is $3.10 per gallon.

I-95

Using the average MPG of 24, the cost of gas for a trip between Boston and North Providence via I-95 would be approximately $7.81 (50 miles / 24 MPG x $3.04 per gallon). However, during peak traffic hours, it is not uncommon for travel times to double or even triple, resulting in higher gas costs.

Route 1

The length of Route 1 is approximately 55 miles, which would result in a gas cost of about $8.78 (55 miles / 24 MPG x $3.04 per gallon). While Route 1 is a longer trip than I-95, the higher speed limit may result in a shorter overall travel time.

Route 146

Due to the longer distance, Route 146 would require more gas than the other routes. The cost of gas for the 58-mile drive would be approximately $9.17 (58 miles / 24 MPG x $3.04 per gallon). However, the potential for decreased travel time and less congestion on the road may offset the higher gas cost.

Recommendation

Based on the distance and cost of gas, it is recommended to take I-95 as the most efficient and cost-effective route between Boston and North Providence. While the road can be congested during peak hours, it remains the most direct route, helping conserve gas and reducing the amount of time spent driving.

Conclusion

Traveling from Boston to North Providence can be accomplished via I-95, Route 1, or Route 146. While the cost of gas varies depending on the route taken, I-95 provides the most direct route and the most efficient use of gas. During peak hours, the route may become congested, leading to higher gas usage. However, regardless of the route taken, the scenic New England landscape will be on full display. The trip should take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.