The Cost of a Trip between Buffalo, NY and Waltham, MA Based on Current Gas Prices

When you're planning a trip, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost of transportation. If you're traveling between Buffalo, NY, and Waltham, MA, there are several routes to choose from, each with its own cost and distance. In this article, we'll explore the different route options, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for your trip.

Route Options

There are several routes you can take when traveling from Buffalo, NY, to Waltham, MA. Here are some of the most popular options:

Route 1: I-90 E and I-495 S

This route takes you on Interstate 90 East and Interstate 495 South. It's the most direct route, covering a distance of approximately 403 miles. However, it also has the most tolls, with a total cost of around $57.70.

Route 2: NY-5 E and I-495 S

This route takes you on NY-5 East and Interstate 495 South. It's slightly longer than the first route, covering a distance of approximately 430 miles. However, it has fewer tolls, with a total cost of around $8.60.

Route 3: I-86 E, I-81 S, I-84 E, and I-90 E

This route takes you on Interstate 86 East, Interstate 81 South, Interstate 84 East, and Interstate 90 East. It's the longest route, covering a distance of approximately 497 miles. However, it also has the least amount of tolls, with a total cost of around $2.80.

The Costs

When it comes to the cost of a trip between Buffalo, NY, and Waltham, MA, the biggest factor to consider is gas prices. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Buffalo, NY, is $3.14 per gallon, while the average gas price in Waltham, MA, is $3.08 per gallon.

Using these prices, let's take a closer look at the costs of each route, using a car that gets an average of 30 miles per gallon:

Route 1: I-90 E and I-495 S

Assuming a total distance of 403 miles, you'll need approximately 13.4 gallons of gas for this route. At an average gas price of $3.14 per gallon, that comes to a total cost of $42.04 in gas. Add in the tolls of $57.70, and the total cost of this route is around $99.74.

Route 2: NY-5 E and I-495 S

Assuming a total distance of 430 miles, you'll need approximately 14.3 gallons of gas for this route. At an average gas price of $3.14 per gallon, that comes to a total cost of $44.80 in gas. Add in the tolls of $8.60, and the total cost of this route is around $53.40.

Route 3: I-86 E, I-81 S, I-84 E, and I-90 E

Assuming a total distance of 497 miles, you'll need approximately 16.6 gallons of gas for this route. At an average gas price of $3.14 per gallon, that comes to a total cost of $52.08 in gas. Add in the tolls of $2.80, and the total cost of this route is around $54.88.

The Best Route

Based on the costs and distances of the different routes, Route 2 (NY-5 E and I-495 S) is the best route for a trip between Buffalo, NY, and Waltham, MA. It may be slightly longer than Route 1, but it has significantly fewer tolls, making it the more affordable option. Route 3 may have the least amount of tolls, but it's considerably longer and may not be the best option if you're looking to save time.

Conclusion

When planning a trip between Buffalo, NY, and Waltham, MA, it's important to consider the cost of transportation. While there are several route options, Route 2 (NY-5 E and I-495 S) is the best option based on cost and distance. With a total cost of around $53.40, it's the most affordable route, with only a minimal amount of tolls. With good planning, you might save more money on gas by finding gas stations with cheaper gas prices.