Driving Cost from Braintree, Massachusetts to Bennington, Vermont

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Braintree, MA to Bennington, VT

If you're planning a road trip from Braintree, Massachusetts, to Bennington, Vermont, there are a few different options to consider. Depending on your priorities, you may want to choose the shortest distance, the fastest route, or the most scenic drive. However, one factor that is likely to be important for most travelers is the cost of the trip. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, so you can make an informed decision.

Route 1: The Shortest Distance

The most direct route from Braintree to Bennington is to take Interstate 93 North to Interstate 89 North, and then switch to Route 9 West once you're in Vermont. According to Google Maps, this route is approximately 167 miles and takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes without traffic. However, this route is not toll-free, and there are two toll plazas along the way.

The first toll is the Tobin Bridge, which spans the Mystic River between Boston and Chelsea. The toll for two-axle passenger vehicles is $3.50 with an E-ZPass and $5 without. The second toll is the Hooksett Toll Plaza, which is located just north of Manchester, New Hampshire. The toll for two-axle passenger vehicles at this plaza is $1.50 with an E-ZPass and $2.50 without.

Route 2: The Fastest Route

If you're more concerned with getting to your destination quickly than saving money, you may want to consider taking a slightly longer route that avoids the tolls. The fastest route without tolls is to take I-93 North to I-89 North, but instead of switching to Route 9 West, continue on I-91 North until you reach exit 2 in Brattleboro, Vermont. From there, take Route 9 West to Bennington. According to Google Maps, this route is approximately 182 miles and takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes without traffic.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

If you have some extra time and want to enjoy the scenery along the way, you may want to consider taking a more roundabout route through the mountains of Southern Vermont. This route follows Route 2 West from Lexington, Massachusetts, to Greenfield, Massachusetts, and then follows Route 5 North through Brattleboro, Vermont, before switching to Route 9 West to Bennington.

While this route is the longest of the three options at approximately 215 miles and takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes without traffic, it also offers some of the most stunning views of the region. On this route, you'll pass through quaint New England towns, see rolling farmland, and drive through the Green Mountains.

Which Route Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your priorities. If you're on a tight schedule and are willing to pay the tolls, the most direct route is likely your best bet. If you want to save money and don't mind adding a little time to your trip, the toll-free route is a good option. And if you have plenty of time and want to take in some beautiful sights along the way, the scenic route may be the way to go.

The Cost of the Trip

To summarize, the cost of the trip will depend on the route you choose and whether you have an E-ZPass to take advantage of the reduced toll rates. Here's a breakdown of the expected costs for each route, assuming you're driving a two-axle passenger vehicle:

  • Route 1: Shortest Distance with Tolls ($8 with E-ZPass, $10 without)
  • Route 2: Fastest Route without Tolls ($0)
  • Route 3: Scenic Route with Tolls ($10 with E-ZPass, $13 without)

Of course, gas prices can fluctuate, so it's difficult to predict exactly how much you'll spend on fuel for the trip. However, assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $26 on gas for any of the three routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the route you choose for your road trip from Braintree, Massachusetts, to Bennington, Vermont, will depend on your priorities. If you want to save time and don't mind paying tolls, take the direct route. If you want to save money and time isn't as important, take the toll-free route. And if you have plenty of time and want to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way, take the scenic route. No matter which route you choose, you can expect to spend around $26 on gas, and between $0 and $13 on tolls (depending on the route). Safe travels!