The Cost of a Trip Between Bristol and New London

If you're planning a trip from Bristol to New London, Connecticut, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost. Getting from one place to another can be expensive, especially when you factor in gas prices, tolls, and other expenses.

The good news is that there are several routes you can take between Bristol and New London, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll explore some of the options and help you make the best choice for your budget and travel plans.

Route 1: I-84 and I-95

The most direct route between Bristol and New London is to take Interstate 84 east to Interstate 91 south, then connect with Interstate 95 south. This route covers a distance of approximately 77 miles and takes about an hour and a half without traffic. However, it can take longer during rush hour or other peak travel times.

One disadvantage of this route is that it involves several tolls. As of 2021, the total cost of tolls each way is $7.25 for passenger cars. This means that the round-trip cost of tolls alone is $14.50.

Another factor to consider is the cost of gas. According to AAA, the average cost of gas in Connecticut as of June 2021 is $3.08 per gallon. Based on this price and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, you can estimate the cost of gas for the trip. For example, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require just over 3 gallons of gas for the trip, for a total cost of approximately $9.24 each way.

Adding up tolls and gasoline, the total cost of this route from Bristol to New London would be around $31.98 for a roundtrip.

Route 2: Route 2 and I-395

Another option for getting from Bristol to New London is to take Route 2 east to I-395 south. This route covers a distance of approximately 55 miles and takes just over an hour without traffic.

The advantage of this route is that it does not involve any tolls. However, the cost of gas is still a factor to consider. Using the same example as above, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require just over 2 gallons of gas for the trip, for a total cost of approximately $6.16 each way.

Adding up the cost of gas for this route, the total cost of a roundtrip would be around $12.32.

Route 3: The Scenic Route

If you're not in a hurry and want to take the scenic route between Bristol and New London, you can consider taking Route 6 east to Route 66 east, then connecting with Route 85 south. This route covers a distance of approximately 61 miles and takes about an hour and forty-five minutes without traffic.

The advantage of this route is that it doesn't involve any tolls, and you can enjoy some lovely scenery along the way. However, the cost of gas will still be a factor, particularly if you're driving an inefficient vehicle. Based on the same example as above, a car that gets 20 miles per gallon would require just over 3 gallons of gas for the trip, for a total cost of approximately $9.24 each way.

Adding up the cost of gas, the total cost of a roundtrip on this route would be around $18.48.

Which Route Is Best?

So, which of these routes is the best option for your trip from Bristol to New London?

If you're primarily concerned with getting to your destination quickly, then I-84 and I-95 is probably your best bet. It's the most direct route, and although it involves several tolls, it's still reasonably affordable.

On the other hand, if you're looking to save money and don't mind taking a slightly longer route, then Route 2 and I-395 is a good choice. This route doesn't involve any tolls, and the cost of gas is relatively low.

Finally, if you're in no hurry and want to take your time exploring the Connecticut countryside, then the scenic route via Route 6, Route 66, and Route 85 is worth considering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of traveling from Bristol to New London depends on a variety of factors, including the route you choose, the cost of gas, and any tolls you may encounter along the way. Based on current gas prices and toll costs, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $12 to $32 for a roundtrip.

Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your individual travel needs and priorities. Consider your budget, your schedule, and your desire for a scenic drive when making your decision, and enjoy your journey from Bristol to New London.