The Cost of a Trip between Boston and Watertown during Current Gas Prices

When considering the cost of a trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Watertown, there are several different routes to consider. Factors like time of day, traffic, and gas prices can all play a role in determining the best route to take. In this article, we will lay out the costs and travel time for the different routes between these two destinations.

Factors Affecting Cost

First, it’s important to consider the factors that can affect the cost of a trip. Some of these include:

• Gas prices: As of September 2021, the average cost of gas in Massachusetts is about $3.01 per gallon.
• Tolls: Some of the routes involve tolls, which can add to the cost of the trip.
• Distance: Longer routes will require more gas and may have more tolls.

Keeping these factors in mind, let’s explore the different routes between Boston and Watertown.

Route 1: Via Memorial Drive – Approx. 7.5 miles

The first option is to take Memorial Drive, which runs along the Charles River from Boston to Watertown. While this route may offer nice views, it also has several downsides. First, it can be quite busy during rush hour, which can add to the travel time. Additionally, there are no major highways along this route, so it may take longer to travel the distance.

That said, it is the cheapest option, as it involves no tolls. Using the current gas prices, a round trip along this route would cost about $3.85.

Route 2: Via Soldiers Field Road – Approx. 6.9 miles

Another option is to take Soldiers Field Road, which runs parallel to Memorial Drive and is closer to the highway. This route may be a better option during peak traffic times, as it may be slightly faster than Memorial Drive. However, there are tolls along this route, which can add to the cost of the trip.

Using the current gas prices and tolls, a round trip using this route would cost about $6.31.

Route 3: Via Storrow Drive – Approx. 7 miles

Storrow Drive is a major highway that runs along the Charles River between Boston and Watertown. This route can offer a faster trip, especially during peak traffic times, as it’s less likely to get bogged down. However, this is also a toll road, so the cost of the trip will go up accordingly.

Using the current gas prices and tolls, a round trip using this route would cost about $9.20.

Route 4: Via Massachusetts Turnpike – Approx. 10.9 miles

Finally, there’s the option of taking the Massachusetts Turnpike, which runs from Boston to Watertown and beyond. This route is currently the longest, but may be the fastest during rush hour depending on traffic. However, it also has the highest tolls of any of the routes.

Using the current gas prices and tolls, a round trip using this route would cost about $12.12.

Choosing the Best Route

So which route is the best option for a trip between Boston and Watertown? The answer ultimately depends on your personal priorities. If you prioritize cost, Route 1 may be the best. However, if you’re looking for speed and convenience, Routes 3 or 4 may be the better option. Route 2 offers a good compromise between the two, with a reasonable balance between cost and convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several routes to consider when planning a trip from Boston to Watertown. Each route has its own benefits and drawbacks, including distance, tolls, and travel time. Ultimately, the best route will depend on your individual priorities and needs. Regardless of which route you take, there’s no doubt that this trip is a quick and easy journey that can be done in under an hour.