The Cost of a Trip between Brewer, Maine and Rangeley, Maine: Comparing Routes Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip always starts with considering the budget, especially when it comes to longer drives. For those who want to travel from Brewer to Rangeley in Maine, it's essential to know the different route options and their costs to make an informed decision. This article compares the three main routes possible between these two towns based on current gas prices and shows their distance, travel time, and tolls, if any.

Route 1: The Scenic Route

Starting in Brewer, travelers can take Route 201 North all the way to Solon and then take a right onto Route 43 to reach Rangeley. This route goes through small towns and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those who want to explore the region's natural beauty.

The total distance covered when this route is taken is around 127 miles, and the estimated driving time is just over 3 hours. However, the downside to this route is that it doesn't involve any highways, making it slower than alternative options.

Based on current gas prices in Maine, the cost of the trip when using this route ranges from $19 to $23, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency. There are no tolls to pay, which makes it a cost-effective option.

Route 2: The Fastest Option

For those who prefer a faster route, they can consider taking Route 2 West from Brewer, past Skowhegan, and Farmington and straight to Rangeley. This is a more direct route that involves highways, which makes the estimated driving time around 2 hours and 45 minutes, covering a total of about 122 miles.

The cost of this destination varies based on gas prices and the car's fuel efficiency, with an estimated fuel cost ranging from $18 to $22. However, there is a toll booth one can stop at, and the price ranges from $1 to $9, depending on the vehicle's size and the time of day.

Route 3: The Recommended Alternative

Another option for those traveling between Brewer and Rangeley is to take Route 27 Westward from Belgrade all the way to Farmington and then take Route 4 North towards the final destination. This option is slightly longer than the previous one, covering 133 miles, and the estimated driving time is just over 3 hours.

What makes this route favorable over the others is its combination of a scenic drive with the ease of a fast route. It involves taking winding roads but no tolls and highways, making it the best of both worlds. Based on current gas prices, the total fuel cost ranges from $21 to $25, depending on the car's fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, the most cost-effective route between Brewer and Rangeley is the first opinion, involving Route 201 North. The most direct route, on the other hand, is Route 2 West, which includes a toll booth, which means more expenses. However, the recommended option is Route 27 and Route 4, which offers a scenic yet convenient route, taking longer but without any additional costs. It's best to take this route during the day to avoid driving on dark and winding roads.

In any case, the cost of a trip between Brewer and Rangeley is manageable and ranges between $18 to $25, depending on the route chosen and the car's fuel efficiency. Regardless of the chosen route, travelers can enjoy Maine's beautiful landscape while enjoying the drive.