Driving Cost from Boston, Massachusetts to Village of Potsdam, New York

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Your Boston to Potsdam Trip: Fuel Prices Guide

When planning a trip, there are a few essential factors to consider, one being the cost of travel. By road, train, or air, you are likely to come across varying price ranges depending on distance, time, and the convenience of transport. In this article, we will look at the fuel costs between Boston, Massachusetts, and the Village of Potsdam, New York, and weigh up the budget-friendly options.

Exploring the Routes

When traveling from Boston to Potsdam, there are a few routes available to pick from, and your choice mainly depends on the starting point. Below is the distance for each route and the road conditions to expect.

Route 1: Boston to Potsdam Via Highway 2

This route is the longest but the easiest and recommended option. You will leave Boston, Massachusetts, through Highway 2 and pass through the historic city of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and Fitzburg, Massachusetts, to Ontario, Canada. You will then cross the bridge to New York via Norfolk and end your journey in Potsdam.

  • Distance: 393 miles
  • Travel Time: 7 hours 21 minutes
  • Road Condition: Mostly smooth highways, minimal traffic

While this route is the longest, it has the best road conditions, and you can enjoy scenic views as you cross different cities and states.

Route 2: Boston to Potsdam via I-90 W

If you are leaving Boston from the West, you should consider the I-90 W route. The road, which is entirely made of toll highways, starts at Brighton and ends in Potsdam.

  • Distance: 329 miles
  • Travel Time: 6 hours 29 minutes
  • Road Condition: Toll highways with minimal traffic

This route is relatively shorter than Route 1 and has minimal traffic.

Route 3: Boston to Potsdam via I-90 W and Highway 11

This route is the quickest, and most direct between the two destinations but can also be costly as it has several toll sections. You will leave Boston using the I-90 Beltway, then connect to Highway 11, and end your journey in Potsdam.

  • Distance: 325 miles
  • Travel Time: 6 hours 16 minutes
  • Road Condition: Toll highways, smooth highways, minimal traffic

While this route is the shortest for those leaving from the West, it’s toll sections can make it the most expensive.

Fuel Cost Estimates

Now that we have explored the different routes, let us look at the fuel costs for each option, based on current prices for gas (as of August 2021).

The average fuel consumption for a vehicle on the highway is about 20 miles per gallon. Therefore, the fuel cost will be calculated at $3.12/gallon.

  • Route 1: Boston to Potsdam Via Highway 2
    • Round Trip Distance: 786 Miles
    • Fuel Cost Estimate: $116.14
  • Route 2: Boston to Potsdam via I-90 W
    • Round Trip Distance: 658 Miles
    • Fuel Cost Estimate: $97.02
  • Route 3: Boston to Potsdam via I-90 W and Highway 11
    • Round Trip Distance: 650 Miles
    • Fuel Cost Estimate: $95.91

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While the quickest route, route 3, may seem tempting, the cost of the toll sections often make it the most expensive. Therefore, it’s best to opt for Route 2 via I-90 W, which has minimal traffic and takes a little over six hours. Route 1 is a longer but scenic option if you are looking for a journey full of picturesque views.

Lastly, it’s good to keep in mind that the fuel cost estimate is not factoring your vehicle’s specific fuel economy and other possible road fees such as parking fees, and other tolls.

Conclusion

When planning to go from Boston to Potsdam, you have plenty of options to choose from. While the quickest route may seem like the most logical choice, it's not always the budget-friendly one. That's why it's essential to weigh your options, look at the fuel costs estimates, and choose the best one for your circumstance. Once you make your decision, buckle up and enjoy the scenic areas while cruising to Potsdam. Happy trails!