Driving Cost from Bowdoin, Maine to New Bedford, Massachusetts

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The Cost of Driving From Bowdoin, Maine to New Bedford, Massachusetts

Are you planning to drive from Bowdoin, Maine to New Bedford, Massachusetts for a weekend getaway? Driving can be a great option, but it's important to consider the cost of the trip before you hit the road. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving based on current gas prices and highlight a couple of different routes you can take.

Route 1: I-95 S

The first and most direct route is to take I-95 S all the way down to New Bedford. This route is a little over 200 miles and should take you around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Maine is $3.02 per gallon and $2.97 per gallon in Massachusetts. Based on these prices and a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be $48.32 (200 miles / 25 mpg = 8 gallons x $3.02 = $24.16 each way).

In addition to gas, you'll also need to consider tolls. The tolls for this route include:

  • Maine Turnpike: $7
  • Massachusetts Turnpike: $6.70

The total cost for tolls would be $13.70 (one way).

Route 2: US-1 S

Another option is to take US-1 S along the coast. This route is a bit longer at 225 miles and should take around 4 hours, but it's a scenic drive that takes you through charming coastal towns. The estimated cost of gas for this route is about the same as Route 1, but you'll save on tolls since there are no major toll routes to take.

Route 3: I-295 S

A third option is to take I-295 S instead of I-95 S. This route adds some distance but could save you time and frustration if you hit heavy traffic on I-95. I-295 S eventually merges with I-95 S, so you won't actually be on this route for the entire trip. The distance for this route is about 225 miles and should take around 4 hours. The estimated cost of gas is also about the same as Route 1, but you'll save on tolls since you'll only need to pay for the Maine Turnpike, which costs $7.

Conclusion

So, what's the bottom line? The cost of driving from Bowdoin, Maine to New Bedford, Massachusetts will depend on the route you take. Route 1 is the most direct and will cost around $62.02 round trip (gas plus tolls). Route 2 is a scenic option that will cost about the same as Route 1. Route 3 could save you time and frustration, but will cost about $54.32 round trip. Regardless of which route you choose, it's important to consider the cost of driving and plan accordingly to make the most of your trip. Safe travels!