The Cost of a Trip between Boxborough and Scituate: Gas Prices and Route Options

Traveling from Boxborough, Massachusetts to Scituate, Massachusetts can be quite a road trip, depending on the route that you take. The journey is approximately 46 miles, which means that it is a doable commute for those who need to travel between these two locations daily. However, the cost of such a trip, including gas prices and route options, should be taken into consideration before embarking on this adventure.

Route Options

Before we dive into the cost of traveling between Boxborough and Scituate, let's take a closer look at the possible route options. As there are three main routes, each one with various pros and cons, it is essential to consider all of them before settling on one:

Route 1: Via I-95 S and I-93 S

This route is the fastest and most direct, though it requires driving on highways. Starting your journey in Boxborough, you would take I-495 S for about 21 miles before merging onto I-95 S for approximately six miles, and then continuing on I-93 S for the final 17 miles until reaching Scituate. Overall, this route is 44 miles long and has tolls along the way.

Route 2: Via MA-3 S

While this route is slightly longer, it is considered to have more scenic views as it passes through some lovely towns. Leaving Boxborough, you would take MA-2 E for roughly 10 miles until merging onto MA-128 S. After six miles of driving, you would then turn onto MA-3 S, which would take you all the way to Scituate. This route is 47 miles in length, does not have any tolls, but features a winding road along the coastline.

Route 3: Via I-495 S and MA-3 S

The third route is a combination of the other two. Starting from Boxborough, you would take I-495 S for 19 miles before merging onto MA-3 S for the final 26 miles. This route provides an excellent balance between the speed of highways and the scenic views of coastal roads. Overall, Route 3 is 43 miles long and does not have any tolls.

Gas Prices

Now that we've explored the different route options, let's take a look at the cost of gasoline per mile between Boxborough and Scituate. According to AAA Gas Prices, the average cost of regular gas in Massachusetts as of May 2021 is $2.91 per gallon. To calculate the cost of a trip, you first need to determine the number of miles and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

For example, let's say you have a fuel-efficient vehicle that gets 30 miles to the gallon. If you take Route 1, your trip would cost you approximately $5.72 in gas. However, if you opt for Route 2, your trip would cost you approximately $6.15 in gas, while Route 3 would cost you roughly $5.56 in gas. Thus, while Route 1 is the quickest option, it is also the most expensive in terms of gas consumption.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis above, Route 3 seems to be the most practical option to recommend. It provides a good balance between speed and fuel consumption and is free of tolls. Additionally, you can enjoy the scenic views of the coastal town and avoid the highways' fast-paced traffic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling from Boxborough to Scituate can vary in cost depending on the route you take and the fuel efficiency of your car. Route 1 may be the quickest, but it is also the most expensive. Route 2 offers beautiful views but is winding and longer, while Route 3 provides an excellent balance between the two. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and needs. However, based on current gas prices and the different routes, we would recommend taking Route 3 for a balance of speed and cost. The entire journey should take about an hour, depending on the traffic.