The Cost of a Trip Between Brookline, Massachusetts and Taunton, Massachusetts: Navigating Gas Prices

When considering a trip between Brookline, Massachusetts and Taunton, Massachusetts, one of the main factors to take into account is the cost of gas. Gas prices fluctuate regularly, so it's important to explore multiple routes and calculate the costs to find the most practical and cost-effective option. In this article, we'll explore the most common travel routes between these two cities and break down the cost of each one.

Route 1: Using the Massachusetts Turnpike

One of the most straightforward routes to take is via the Massachusetts Turnpike, which runs directly between Brookline and Taunton. From Brookline, you can get on the Turnpike via the 128 Interchange in Weston, then follow it for 44 miles until you reach Taunton. This route provides easy access and takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

The main disadvantage of this route, however, is the tolls. The cost of using the Massachusetts Turnpike varies depending on the type of vehicle you have and the distance you travel. For example, if you're driving a passenger vehicle and get on the Turnpike in Weston, you'll pay $1.70 at the first toll booth and $6.60 at the second toll booth (as of October 2021). The total cost for using the Turnpike for this route would be $8.30, not including gas costs.

Route 2: Using I-95 South

Another option for getting from Brookline to Taunton is via I-95 South. This route takes you around Boston and down the east coast of Massachusetts. To get on I-95 South from Brookline, you'll need to take Route 9 west to I-95 in Wellesley. Then, you'll follow I-95 South for about 35 miles until you reach Taunton.

This route has the advantage of avoiding tolls, but the downside is that it's slightly longer than taking the Massachusetts Turnpike. It takes around an hour to reach Taunton via this route, depending on traffic. The distance traveled is around 40 miles.

Route 3: Taking I-93 South

A third route to consider is taking I-93 South from Brookline and then transferring to Route 24 to Taunton. This route takes you through the heart of Boston, then south along the southeastern coastline of Massachusetts. The distance traveled is around 40 miles.

To take this route, you'll need to get on I-93 South from Brookline and follow it for 10-15 miles until you reach the transfer point for Route 24 in Randolph. Then, you'll follow Route 24 for another 20 miles until you reach Taunton. This route takes about an hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Calculating Gas Costs

Once you've decided on a route, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas. As of October 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is around $3.09 per gallon. The following table shows an estimated cost of gas for each route, based on the cost of gas and the distance traveled using a car that gets 25 miles per gallon:

Route	Distance Traveled	Estimated Gas Cost
Massachusetts Turnpike	44 miles	$5.55
I-95 South	40 miles	$4.92
I-93 South + Route 24	40 miles	$4.92

Recommended Route

After considering the factors of cost, distance, and time, the most recommended route is I-95 South. This route is slightly cheaper than the Massachusetts Turnpike and avoids the tolls, making it the most cost-effective option. Though longer than the Turnpike, it is a straightforward drive that can be done in about an hour when traffic is light.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Brookline and Taunton, taking gas prices into account can save you money. By exploring multiple routes and calculating the cost of gas for each one, you can determine the most practical option. In this case, I-95 South, with an estimated gas cost of $4.92, is the most recommended route. By making an informed decision, you can save time and money on your trip.