The Cost of a Trip between Branford, Connecticut and Arlington, Massachusetts

If you're looking to travel from Branford, Connecticut, to Arlington, Massachusetts, there are a few options available. You can drive, take the train, or fly, each with their own pros and cons. In this article, we'll take a look at the cost of each transportation option and suggest the best route for your trip.

Driving

Driving from Branford to Arlington is the most popular method of transportation. It's convenient, provides flexibility, and can be the most cost-effective choice, especially if you're traveling with friends or family. There are a couple of different routes you can take, depending on your preferences and the traffic conditions:

The I-95 Route

This route takes you up the eastern coast of the United States and is generally the shortest distance between the two cities. The total distance between Branford and Arlington is approximately 150 miles and can be driven in about 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that this route can be affected by traffic, especially during rush hour.

When calculating the cost of a road trip, there are a few factors to consider, such as gas, tolls, parking, and wear and tear on your vehicle. Starting with gas prices, the average price per gallon in Connecticut is $2.82, and in Massachusetts, it's $2.78. With a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay around $17.78 in gas for the entire trip.

Tolls are another factor to consider, and this route has a few of them. There's a $6 toll on the Connecticut Turnpike, a $3 toll on the Merritt Parkway, and a $3 toll on the Boston Extension. This brings the total toll cost to $12. In terms of parking, you can expect to pay around $20 per day in Arlington, depending on where you park.

Taking into account gas, tolls, and parking, the total cost of a one-way road trip between Branford and Arlington would be approximately $55.78.

The I-84/I-90 Route

An alternative route involves taking I-84 west towards Massachusetts and then picking up I-90 east towards Boston. This route is a little longer, at around 160 miles, but has fewer tolls and less traffic. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive this route.

With this route, the only toll you'll encounter is the $1.50 toll at the entrance to the Massachusetts Turnpike. Using the same calculations as before, the total cost of a one-way trip would be around $49.50.

Train

If you're not up for driving, taking the train can be a great alternative. It's eco-friendly, allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery, and can be more cost-effective than flying. Amtrak offers train service between Branford and Boston, and then you can take a bus or the subway to get to Arlington. Here's the cost breakdown:

Amtrak Train

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Branford to Boston varies depending on the type of ticket you buy and how far in advance you book. The cheapest fare, which is non-refundable, is called the Saver fare, which can cost as low as $32. Keep in mind that this fare has restrictions, such as no changes or cancellations and limited availability.

The trip takes around 2.5 hours and arrives at Boston's South Station. From there, you can take the Silver Line subway for free to South Station Bus Terminal, where you can catch a bus to Arlington. The bus ride takes around 25 minutes, and the ticket costs $2.50.

Taking into account the train and bus fare, the total cost of a one-way trip would be around $34.50.

Flying

Flying is the fastest way to get from Branford to Arlington, but it's also the most expensive. There are no direct flights from Branford, so you'd have to fly from Hartford's Bradley International Airport, which is around 60 miles away. Here's the cost breakdown:

Flight

The cost of a round-trip flight from Hartford to Boston varies depending on the airline and how far in advance you book. The average cost of a round-trip ticket is around $250, but prices can fluctuate depending on the season.

Once you arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, you can take the Silver Line subway to South Station Bus Terminal and then take a bus to Arlington, as with the train option above.

Taking into account the flight, subway, and bus fare, the total cost of a one-way trip would be around $140.

Best Route

While there are multiple options for traveling from Branford to Arlington, driving along I-84/I-90 is the most cost-effective and time-efficient. With fewer tolls and less traffic, you can save money and arrive at your destination quicker than taking other routes.

Conclusion

Traveling between Branford, Connecticut, and Arlington, Massachusetts, can be done in multiple ways, with driving, taking the train, or flying being the most popular. Each choice has different pros and cons and costs, so it's essential to consider your options carefully. Driving along I-84/I-90 is the most cost-effective and time-efficient route available, but ultimately, it's up to you to decide which option is right for you. Whatever you choose, enjoy the journey and the destination.