The Cost of a Trip Between Buffalo, New York and Darien, Connecticut: Finding the Route with the Best Gas Prices
If you're planning a trip between Buffalo, New York and Darien, Connecticut, you're likely wondering about the cost of gas. Interstates 86 and 90 run directly from Buffalo to Connecticut and offer the quickest route, but there are different paths you can take that could save money on gas. The cost estimate of each route would depend on the current gas prices and how much you can save. In this article, we'll look at the different possible routes, the cost and distance of each one to help you find the best way to get from Buffalo, New York to Darien, Connecticut.
Route 1: I-86/90 Direct
The most common route between Buffalo and Darien is to stay on I-86 and I-90, which takes you straight from one city to the other. This route is approximately 396 miles long, and the total cost of gas could be around $55, depending on the current average gas price of $2.60 per gallon. This is assuming that your car gets 20 mpg on the highway, which would be about 20 gallons of gas required for the trip.
Route 2: I-86 to I-81 to Route 9
Taking I-86 to I-81 and Route 9 will add some extra distance to your trip, but it may help save on the cost of gas. This route is about 460 miles long, which is 64 miles longer than the direct path, but it could cost you around $5 to $10 less in gas, depending on the price per gallon at the time. Additionally, if there's traffic along the direct route, this path could be less congested.
Route 3: I-86 to New York City and Along the Coast
If you have more time to spend on the road, taking a longer route along the coast is a scenic option. To do this route, you'll need to take I-86 to Binghamton, then make your way to the Big Apple via I-87 and the George Washington Bridge. Once you're in New York City, make your way to Route 95 and take it down the coast towards Connecticut. This route is approximately 505 miles long and will cost you about $5 to $10 more than the direct route, depending on gas prices. However, you'll get to experience the hustle and bustle of New York City and see some great views along the coast.
Route 4: I-86 to I-81 to Route 15
Another path that you can take from Buffalo to Connecticut is via I-86 to I-81, then take Route 15. This route is approximately 512 miles long and could save some money on gas. Depending on the current price of gas, it could be $5 to $10 cheaper than taking the direct route. Route 15 is also a less busy highway and would make for a more comfortable drive.
Route 5: The Northern Route
If you're looking for a less busy and more scenic option, this route might be the best for you. Head east on Route 104 and follow through to Oswego. Take Route 104A into Fulton and continue to Oneida. Then go east on Route 365, which takes you along the northern part of the state near Utica. Keep following the highway until Rome, where Route 49 is your next turn. This takes you through the Adirondacks and down to the Hudson River. From there, take Route 4 to Route 22. This is the longest route and will take approximately 12 hours to complete, but it's only about 6 miles longer than the previous route. It might cost cheaper to take this route depending on the current fuel cost too, and you'll see some stunning views of upstate New York.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a quick and direct route, taking I-86 to I-90 is the best for you. If you want to save some money on gas, taking I-86 to I-81 and Route 9 could be a good option. For a more scenic route, I-86 to New York City and along the coast would be a great choice. I-86 to I-81 to Route 15 is also an option that can save you some cash and offer a more comfortable drive as it is less busy. For the less crowded and scenic route, Route 104, Oneida, and Route 22 all offer stunning views of the upstate New York countryside, taking you on a more northern adventure. Ultimately, the best route will depend on your preference, budget, and travel time. With current gas prices, expect to spend around $55 on gas for the direct path, but it may cost less or more depending on the state of the fuel cost. Safe travels!