Driving Cost from Brentwood, New Hampshire to Agawam, Massachusetts

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Brentwood, New Hampshire and Agawam, Massachusetts: Navigating Rising Gas Prices

With gas prices on the rise, it’s important to strategize when it comes to planning a long-distance trip. A popular route in New England is the trip between Brentwood, New Hampshire and Agawam, Massachusetts. With the distance between the two locations being just over 100 miles, it’s important to consider different routes to save on gas money. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of each possible route, offer recommendations, and provide tips to help you save on gas.

Possible Routes

Before diving into the costs of each route, let’s outline the possible ways to get to Agawam, Massachusetts from Brentwood, New Hampshire.

Route 1: I-95 S and I-91 S

The first route is to take I-95 S and I-91 S. This route has a distance of approximately 121 miles and a travel time of about 2 hours, depending on traffic and the speed limit. The route primarily takes you down the interstate, making it a straightforward and predictable ride.

Route 2: I-495 S and MA-41 S

The second option is to take I-495 S and MA-41 S. While this route has a slightly longer distance of roughly 129 miles, it can be a better option for those who want to avoid the busier highways. Travel time can range from 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the traffic and speed limits along the way.

Route 3: NH-107 W, NH-28A S, MA-28 S, and MA-445 S

The third route is potentially the most scenic of the three. It takes you through more backroads but still follows highways for the most part. This route has a distance of around 118 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. It can be an excellent option for those who want to take in more of the natural scenery, but it also might have more traffic lights and slower speeds.

Cost Analysis

Now that we’ve outlined the possible routes, let’s break down the costs involved for each one. It is important to note that gas prices may vary depending on the time of year, the location, and the vehicle you are driving. For our calculations, we are using the average gas price per gallon for regular unleaded fuel in New England as of May 2021, which is $3.08.

Route 1: I-95 S and I-91 S

Using our mileage of 121 miles, we can calculate the gas cost of $3.08 per gallon and an average fuel economy for cars of 25 miles per gallon. This results in a total cost of $14.69 for the trip. Keep in mind, if you’re driving a larger vehicle or one with worse gas mileage, your fuel costs will increase.

Route 2: I-495 S and MA-41 S

With a distance of 129 miles, the cost of gas using our $3.08 per gallon fuel price and an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon is $15.55. This route is slightly longer in distance which could potentially add a few dollars to your fuel bill. However, on average, it’s only about one dollar more expensive than Route 1.

Route 3: NH-107 W, NH-28A S, MA-28 S, and MA-445 S

This route, covering 118 miles, is the shortest distance of the three, but it also has the most turns and slow-downs along the route. Using our $3.08 per gallon fuel price and an average car fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, this route costs $14.15 for gas.

While cost is certainly a factor in choosing a travel route, we need to consider other aspects as well. The most direct route to Agawam is Route 1, as it covers the shortest distance and has the quickest potential travel time. However, driving down I-95 South and I-91 South can be stressful, and traffic can add to travel time if you hit congestion. Additionally, if you’re traveling during the summer, you may encounter heavier traffic on I-95 South due to beach-goers heading to the shore.

Route 2, while a bit longer, can offer relief from the congestion of I-95 and I-91. With the potential for freer flowing traffic on I-495, it could be a faster route overall, especially during peak travel times. Additionally, getting off the highways and onto the smaller roads may be a more enjoyable way to take in the sights of New England.

Overall, we recommend Route 2. It offers a better balance between cost and travel time, and it’s a great option to take in some of the smaller towns and natural landscapes along the way.

Tips to Save on Gas

Whether you take Route 1, 2, or 3, you can save on gas. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your drive:

  • Keep your tires properly inflated
  • Drive at a steady speed and avoid frequent stops and starts
  • Use cruise control when possible
  • Avoid heavy items or excess baggage in your car
  • Consider carpooling with others to split gas expenses

Saving on gas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or planning your trip to the minute. Simple changes to your driving habits or sharing the ride with others can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

A trip from Brentwood, New Hampshire, to Agawam, Massachusetts can be an enjoyable way to see the beauty of New England. With three possible routes to take, travelers can balance cost, travel time, and scenery. By using our average gas prices and considering factors such as traffic, travel time, and speed limits, we’ve found that Route 2 is a great option for the journey. Regardless of the route, following these gas-saving tips will help cut down on travel expenses and make your trip a more comfortable one.