The Cost of a Road Trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: An In-Depth Guide

Are you planning a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? Then you're probably wondering how much it will cost you. The good news is it's not as daunting as it might seem! This article will take a deep dive into the cost of a road trip, keeping in mind current gas prices. In addition, we'll explore the different routes you can take, what you can expect to pay in tolls and the average travel times.

The Different Routes You Can Take

Before we get into the costs, we need to explore the different options available to drive from Boston to Pigeon Forge. There are three common routes people take.

Route 1: The I-95 South and I-81 South Route

One route is driving from Boston to the south and moving to I-81 south toward Tennessee. This route goes through several major cities such as Baltimore, Washington D.C, and Roanoke. But it is also known to be one of the longest and might be more costly in terms of a toll.

Route 2: The I-95 South and I-40 West Route

The second route is driving from Boston on I-95 and once getting into North Carolina, and heads to West on the I-40. This route will go through Greensboro, Knoxville. This route is a little bit shorter and has lower toll prices than route 1.

Route 3: The I-90 West and I-81 South Route

The third option is to take I-90 West and I-81 South. This route goes through cities like Syracuse, Scranton, Harrisburg, and Roanoke, which has some of the most scenic routes available to travel. Though this route is a bit longer than Route 2, it also has relatively low toll prices.

Driving Costs comparison

Assuming you're driving a vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, here's what you can expect to pay for gas for each route, based on current gas prices:

Route 1

The distance from Boston to Pigeon Ford when using this route is approximately 925 miles. Gas prices average about $2.9 per gallon. Therefore, you'll need approximately 37 gallons for a one-way trip, which totals to $107.5. In terms of tolls, when going through Baltimore, you'll have to pay approximately $6 while driving on I-81 you'll have to pay an additional $30.

Route 2

The distance from Boston to Pigeon Forge when using this route is approximately 970 miles. Gas prices average about $2.9 per gallon. Therefore, you'll need approximately 38 gallons for a one-way trip, which totals to $110.2. In terms of tolls, there are several tolls gates along the route, including the New York State toll at Buffalo, which costs $10.46, the Pennsylvania Turnpike toll, which costs $25.60, and the West Virginia Turnpike toll, which costs $4.

Route 3

The distance from Boston to Pigeon Forge when using this route is approximately 1020 miles. Gas prices average about $2.9 per gallon. Therefore, you'll need approximately 41 gallons for a one-way trip, which totals to $119. In terms of tolls, when driving I-90, you'll encounter 2 tolls - one at the New York State toll, which costs $10.46 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike toll, which costs $25.60. When driving on I-81, you'll have to pay an additional $15 in tolls.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the distance, tolls, and cost of gas, Route 2 is the most efficient and cheapest way to get from Boston to Pigeon Forge. Although Route 1 and Route 3 have some beautiful scenery, the extra mileage and tolls you will encounter on the way make Route 2 the easiest for the pockets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee depends on the route you take. That being said, if you take Route 2, which is the most recommended, prepare to spend approximately $110.2 on gas. Additionally, we suggest that you check for updates on the gas prices and weather conditions before embarking on your journey. So, buckle up, and have a great road trip!