The Cost of a Trip between Brattleboro, Vermont and Swansea, Massachusetts

Are you planning a trip from Brattleboro, Vermont to Swansea, Massachusetts? Are you wondering how much it will cost? The cost of a trip depends on many factors, including the distance, the mode of transportation, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will break down the cost of a trip between Brattleboro and Swansea and provide recommendations for the best route.

Routes Available

There are two main routes available when traveling from Brattleboro to Swansea: I-91 and I-90 or I-84. I-91 and I-90 is the most direct and commonly used route. I-91 is a north-south highway that runs from the Canadian border to New Haven, Connecticut, while I-90 is an east-west highway that runs from Boston to Seattle.

The other option is to take I-84 towards Hartford, then head south on I-91. This route adds about 20 miles to the trip, but it may be faster depending on traffic conditions and road construction.

Cost of Gas

Gas prices vary throughout the country, and they can change quickly due to various factors such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, and weather. As of August 2021, the average gas prices in Vermont and Massachusetts are about $3.00 per gallon. However, gas prices can be higher or lower depending on the location. As a traveler, you can find up-to-date gas prices on websites like GasBuddy.

Cost and Distance Breakdown

I-91 and I-90 Route

The most direct route from Brattleboro to Swansea is to take I-91 south towards Springfield, then take I-90 east towards Boston. The total distance is approximately 170 miles, and it takes about 3 hours to drive without traffic.

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route is:

170 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon × $3.00 per gallon = $20.40

In addition to gas, you may also have to pay tolls on I-90. The toll from Westfield to Boston is $10.60 for passenger cars, and the toll from Boston to Swansea is $4.00. Therefore, the total toll cost for this route is $14.60.

Therefore, the total cost of a one-way trip between Brattleboro and Swansea using this route is approximately:

$20.40 (gas) + $14.60 (tolls) = $35.00

Therefore, the total cost for a round trip would be $70.00.

I-84 and I-91 Route

The alternative route is to take I-84 east towards Hartford, then take I-91 south towards New Haven, then take I-95 north towards Swansea. The total distance is approximately 200 miles, and it takes about 4 hours to drive.

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices of $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route is:

200 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon × $3.00 per gallon = $24.00

In addition, you may also have to pay tolls on I-84 and I-95. The toll from Sturbridge to New Haven is $10.50 for passenger cars, and the toll from New Haven to Swansea is $7.00. Therefore, the total toll cost for this route is $17.50.

Therefore, the total cost of a one-way trip between Brattleboro and Swansea using this route is approximately:

$24.00 (gas) + $17.50 (tolls) = $41.50

Therefore, the total cost for a round trip would be $83.00.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance breakdown, we recommend taking the I-91 and I-90 route from Brattleboro to Swansea. It is the most direct route and has lower gas and toll costs compared to the I-84 and I-91 route. However, if there is heavy traffic or road construction on I-91, the I-84 and I-91 route might be a better option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Brattleboro and Swansea depends on various factors, including the mode of transportation, the distance, and the current gas prices. The most direct route is the I-91 and I-90 route, which has a total cost of approximately $35.00 one-way or $70.00 round trip. However, there is an alternative route using I-84 and I-91 with a total cost of approximately $41.50 one-way or $83.00 round trip, which might be a better choice depending on traffic conditions. Regardless of the route you choose, always check the gas prices and tolls beforehand to ensure that you have enough money for the trip.