The Cost of a Trip from Bristol, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts
With gas prices on the rise, it's important to budget accordingly when planning a road trip. One common route for travelers is the journey from Bristol, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts. This trip can take several routes, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we will explore the possible routes and the cost for each one, ultimately recommending the best route to take.
Route 1: I-84W to I-91N
The first route to consider is taking I-84 West to I-91 North. This is the shortest and fastest route, spanning approximately 41 miles and taking approximately 45 minutes to travel. However, it also involves paying tolls and traversing through cities, which can impact the cost of the trip.
Tolls
There are currently two tolls on this route. The first toll is located on I-84 in West Hartford and costs $1.50 for passenger cars. The second toll is located on I-91 in Windsor and costs $1.50 for passenger cars. Therefore, the total cost of tolls for this route is $3.00.
Gas Prices
According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Connecticut is currently $2.78 per gallon, while the average gas price in Massachusetts is $2.87 per gallon. Using these prices and assuming a vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $6.67.
Total Cost
Adding the cost of tolls and gas together, the total cost for this route would be approximately $9.67.
Route 2: CT-10N and US-202N to I-91N
Another possible route is taking CT-10 North and US-202 North to I-91 North. This route is slightly longer, spanning approximately 46 miles and taking approximately 1 hour to travel. However, it avoids tolls and takes travelers through scenic countryside.
Tolls
This route does not involve any tolls, so the total cost for tolls is $0.
Gas Prices
Using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency assumption as the previous route, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $8.24.
Total Cost
The total cost for this route is therefore approximately $8.24.
Route 3: CT-72W to I-91N
A third option is to take CT-72 West to I-91 North. This route is the longest, spanning approximately 53 miles and taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to travel. However, it also avoids tolls and takes travelers through rural areas.
Tolls
This route does not involve any tolls, so the total cost for tolls is $0.
Gas Prices
Using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency assumption, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $10.32.
Total Cost
The total cost for this route is therefore approximately $10.32.
Recommendation
Based on the costs and distances of the three routes considered, we recommend taking Route 2, CT-10N and US-202N to I-91N. Although it is slightly longer than Route 1, it avoids tolls and takes travelers through scenic countryside. Additionally, it is less expensive than Route 3.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bristol, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts can be done via several routes. Taking into account the cost of tolls and gas, the best route to take is CT-10N and US-202N to I-91N. This route is slightly longer but saves money on tolls and provides scenic views of the countryside. The total cost of the trip, including gas and tolls, would be approximately $8.24. With careful planning and budgeting, travelers can enjoy their trip without breaking the bank.