The Cost of a Trip Between Bridgeport and New Haven Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you looking to travel between Bridgeport and New Haven in Connecticut? Whether for work or pleasure, one of the most important considerations is the cost of travel. Gas prices, time of day and distance will all play a role in the cost of getting from one place to another. In this article, we will break down the various options available for this trip and determine which route is the most cost-effective.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-95 N

This is the most direct and popular route between Bridgeport and New Haven. The distance is approximately 20 miles, and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour based on traffic. There are tolls on this route, and it's important to note that truck drivers typically avoid this route, which may ease traffic congestion.

Route 2: Route 15

Alternatively, Route 15, also known as the Merritt Parkway, is another option. This route runs parallel to I-95 and offers some scenic views along the way. However, there are no tolls, and it can take longer than I-95 due to reduced speeds and multiple exits. The distance of this route is approximately 24 miles, and it can take between 45 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on traffic.

Route 3: Route 1

Route 1, also referred to as Boston Post Road, is a third option. This is the oldest highway in the United States, dating back to the 18th century. As the name suggests, this road runs along the eastern seaboard. It's a great option for those who want to take their time and explore the various towns that dot the shoreline. This route will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and will cover a distance of around 22 miles. There are no tolls along this route.

Gas Prices

As of August 2021, the average gas prices in Connecticut are around $3.20 per gallon. It's important to keep an eye on gas prices when planning your trip as they can vary significantly depending on the location and the time of year. For this article, we will be using the current average price of gas in Connecticut for our calculations.

Calculations

Taking into account the distance of each route and the current gas prices, we can determine the total cost of a trip between Bridgeport and New Haven. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for a sedan, we will break down the cost of the trip for each route.

Route 1: I-95 N

At a distance of 20 miles, this route will cost approximately $2.56 for a one-way trip based on gas prices and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Additionally, there are two tolls along the route. The first toll is $1.50 at Exit 27 in Bridgeport, and the second toll is $1.00 at Exit 50 in New Haven. Therefore, the total cost of this route will be $5.06 for a one-way trip.

Route 2: Route 15

At a distance of 24 miles, this route will cost approximately $3.07 for a one-way trip based on gas prices and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Importantly, there are no tolls along this route. Therefore, the total cost of this route will be $3.07 for a one-way trip.

Route 3: Route 1

At a distance of 22 miles, this route will cost approximately $2.82 for a one-way trip based on gas prices and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Similarly, there are no tolls along this route. Therefore, the total cost of this route will be $2.82 for a one-way trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most cost-effective route for a trip between Bridgeport and New Haven is Route 3: Route 1. Not only is this route comparable in distance to I-95, but it also has no tolls and is less congested. While I-95 may provide a slightly faster route, the added costs of tolls and the unpredictability of traffic make it not a worthwhile option. Route 15 is a beautiful and more relaxed route, but it's also longer and may not be worth the additional time spent traveling. As such, we recommend that those looking to make the trip between Bridgeport and New Haven take Route 1. The route will take approximately an hour, barring any significant traffic delays, and cost only $2.82 each way in gas prices.