The Cost of a Trip Between Boston, Massachusetts and Northbridge, Massachusetts

Driving from Boston to Northbridge is a pretty straightforward trip, but the real question is how much will it cost? The answer to that question isn't as simple as you might expect. The price of gas and the route you take can drastically affect the cost of the trip. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and the distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route and provide a conclusion paragraph on how long it took.

Route 1: The Fastest and Most Expensive Way

The most popular way to get from Boston to Northbridge is to take I-90W, the Massachusetts Turnpike, which will take you right to Northbridge in just under an hour. The total distance for this route is roughly 42 miles. This route is known as the "Fast Lane," and you'll quickly see why. Most of the drive is on a toll road, so you'll need to make sure you have cash or a Fast Lane pass.

The Massachusetts Turnpike is notorious for being the most expensive toll road in the United States. The cost for passenger cars, as of 2021, is $7.80 one way. That means to get from Boston to Northbridge, you'll need to pay $15.60 for tolls alone, plus the cost of gas. The total cost for the trip will depend on the current gas prices.

Route 2: The Cheapest Way

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly way to get to Northbridge, you can take I-95S and I-495W. Although it's slower, this route is toll-free, so you'll save money. This route will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The total distance is approximately 41 miles.

Because you won't be on a toll road, you'll save $15.60 on tolls, but the cost of gas will be slightly higher because the distance is slightly longer. However, the cost of gas will depend on the current gas prices.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

One of the more scenic routes you can take is to head west on Route 9 and to take a small detour onto Route 122A. This route also avoids toll roads, making it slightly cheaper than I-90W, but it's not as budget-friendly as I-95S and I-495W. The trip will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The total distance is approximately 43 miles.

This route may take longer, but you'll get to see some beautiful Massachusetts countryside and some charming small towns along the way. However, because it's not a direct route, you'll burn more gas and spend slightly more on gas.

Route 4: The Most Convenient Way

If you're staying in Boston and you don't have access to a car, there are also public transportation options. You can take the commuter rail from North Station to Grafton Station, which is located just south of Northbridge. The trip will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes and will cost $8.50 one way. Once you arrive at Grafton Station, you'll need to rely on ride-sharing or taxi services to get to Northbridge.

Our Recommendation

After exploring the different possible routes and costs, we recommend taking I-95S and I-495W. Although it's not the shortest route, it's the most budget-friendly option. Plus, you won't have to deal with tolls. The drive is scenic and pleasant as well, which makes it an enjoyable trip.

Conclusion

Getting from Boston to Northbridge can be a pricey trip, especially when you factor in tolls and gas. However, with a little planning, you can save money and still have a great time. We hope this article helped you choose the best route for your trip. Regardless of the route you choose, Boston to Northbridge is a beautiful and historic drive that's worth experiencing. Expect a driving time of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Safe travels!