Comparing the Cost of a Trip between Boston, Massachusetts and Summit, New Jersey - Finding the Cheapest Route

When it comes to traveling from Boston, Massachusetts to Summit, New Jersey, there are different routes to consider. Each road has its benefits and drawbacks, adding to the decision-making process. The expenses of driving between these two states vary based on gasoline prices, mileage, and even time of day.

Route 1: I-95S and NJ Turnpike

The most popular route is driving south on I-95S for about 190 miles and connecting to the New Jersey Turnpike towards Summit. This route is the shortest and fastest route, taking approximately three hours without traffic. The distance between Boston and the NJ Turnpike exit for Summit is 225.2 miles, and the cost of gasoline per gallon has been fluctuating in recent months, changing the overall expense of the trip. As of April 2021, the average cost of gasoline in Boston is $2.86 per gallon, and in New Jersey, gasoline costs around $2.93 per gallon.

Using the current gas prices, it would cost approximately $32.50 for a one-way trip from Boston to the New Jersey Turnpike, traveling 190 miles. Then, driving towards Summit for another 35 miles would require approximately $4.40 of gasoline. Thus, in total, driving from Boston to Summit using this route would require about $70 of gas with a round trip.

Route 2: I-84E and I-80E

Another option is taking I-84E towards Pennsylvania and then driving through I-80E towards Summit. The overall distance adds up to around 300 miles, taking over five hours to get there. This route provides drivers with an alternative option to the busy I-95S, offering beautiful landscapes and excellent alternatives for stops along the way, like the Delaware Water Gap. Furthermore, the cost of gasoline per gallon has stayed approximately similar to the prices mentioned in the previous section.

One-way travel from Boston to Pennsylvania, assuming an average of $2.86 per gallon, would cost around $26.50, driving an estimated distance of approximately 160 miles. The remaining journey for another 140 miles would require another $16.30 of gasoline. Therefore, the overall cost of gasoline one-way taking this route is roughly $42. With a round trip, the total cost would be around $84.

Route 3: Coastal Drive

A third option is heading south from Boston, following the coastline through Rhode Island and Connecticut before heading inland towards Summit. This route is approximately 260 miles and can take up to five hours without traffic. It is up to individual preference whether the scenic route is worth the extra time and cost compared to the fastest and most direct route. Prices for gasoline required for this route are comparable to those of the routes mentioned above.

Assuming an average cost of $2.86 per gallon, traveling the initial 60 miles from Boston would cost about $6.93. The subsequent 200 miles would require approximately $23.00 of gas. Therefore, driving from Boston to Summit using this route would need approximately $58 with a round trip.

Which Route is The Best?

When comparing the three routes, Route 1 I-95S and the NJ Turnpike are the cheapest, but this is mainly down to the shorter distance. Route 2 has its attractions, including stunning views and attractions, but it makes the journey longer, and the gas required costs more. Route 3 is another scenic route, but again, the costs are higher than Route 1.

Taking into account the time it takes to get to Summit and the amount spent on gasoline, Route 1 emerges as the most economical and the quickest option to get to Summit.

Conclusion

When making the trip from Boston to Summit, New Jersey, Route 1 via I-95S and the NJ Turnpike is the most suitable option. While the other two roads are more scenic, they are lengthier and come at a higher gas cost. The total time a trip from Boston to Summit via Route 1 should take around three hours. However, the time can vary considerably based on road conditions, time of day, and the amount of traffic on the road.