The Cost of a Road Trip from Boston, MA to Shelton, CT in 2021
If you are planning a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Shelton, Connecticut, you may be wondering what the cost of the trip will be. In this article, we will break down the cost of various routes and provide recommendations for the most cost-effective and convenient option.
Route Options
There are a few different routes you can take from Boston to Shelton, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are three of the most popular routes:
Route 1: Via I-90 and I-84
This route is the most direct and takes you down I-90 and I-84 for the majority of the trip. Here is a breakdown of the distance and approximate cost for this route:
- Distance: 144 miles
- Approximate Cost of Gas (based on 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon): $14.50
Pros: This route is the most direct and can be completed in just over two hours without traffic.
Cons: This route includes tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike and Connecticut Turnpike, which can add up quickly. The tolls alone can cost up to $18 for a regular passenger vehicle.
Route 2: Via I-95
This route follows I-95 along the coast of New England and offers some beautiful views along the way. Here is a breakdown of the distance and approximate cost for this route:
- Distance: 139 miles
- Approximate Cost of Gas (based on 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon): $14.00
Pros: This route offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and can be completed in just over two hours without traffic.
Cons: This route also includes tolls on the Connecticut Turnpike, which can add up quickly. The tolls alone can cost up to $8 for a regular passenger vehicle.
Route 3: Via I-495 and CT-15
This route takes you around Boston via I-495 and then down CT-15, also known as the Merritt Parkway. Here is a breakdown of the distance and approximate cost for this route:
- Distance: 166 miles
- Approximate Cost of Gas (based on 30 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon): $16.60
Pros: This route avoids the tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike and Connecticut Turnpike and can be less congested than the other routes.
Cons: This route may take longer than the other two routes due to traffic on I-495 and the winding nature of CT-15.
Recommended Route
Based on the cost and convenience factors, we recommend taking Route 2 via I-95. This route offers beautiful views of the ocean and has a relatively low cost of gas. While there are tolls on this route, they are less expensive than the tolls on Route 1.
Total Cost of the Trip
To calculate the total cost of the trip, you will need to factor in gas, tolls, and any other expenses such as food and lodging. Here is an estimate of the cost for a one-way trip from Boston to Shelton:
- Gas Cost: $14.00 (based on Route 2 and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon)
- Toll Cost: $8.00 (based on Route 2 and a regular passenger vehicle)
- Total Cost: $22.00
Of course, your total cost may vary based on the type of vehicle you are driving, the price of gas, and any other expenses you may incur along the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few different routes you can take when driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Shelton, Connecticut. While each route has its own benefits and drawbacks, we recommend taking Route 2 via I-95 for the most cost-effective and convenient option. With an approximate cost of $22 for a one-way trip, this route offers beautiful views of the ocean and relatively low toll costs. Depending on traffic, the trip can be completed in just over two hours. Happy travels!