The Cost of a Trip between Burlington, Ontario and Owen Sound, Ontario

If you are planning a trip between Burlington, Ontario and Owen Sound, Ontario, you will have several options to consider. One of the most significant factors to consider when planning your route is the cost, which includes gas prices and other expenses such as tolls and parking fees. In this article, we will explore the different routes and the cost of each route and recommend the best one for your trip.

Different Route options

There are three main routes that you can take when traveling between Burlington and Owen Sound, each with varying costs – the Highway 6 route, the Highway 401 route, and a combination of the two.

Highway 6 route

Approximately 170 km from Burlington to Owen Sound, taking Highway 6 is the shortest distance between the two locations, but it may not necessarily be the fastest or most cost-effective. You will take the Queen Elizabeth Way, which merges onto Highway 403. Then, about 20 km west of Ancaster, take the exit to follow Highway 6 North, past Caledonia, and all the way up to Owen Sound.

Highway 401route

The Highway 401 route is the most extended of the three routes, roughly 240 km, but may be the quickest depending on traffic and time of day. Your starting point in Burlington is on the southwestern end of the 401, and you will take the highway all the way east to Milton. From there, you will take Ontario Provincial Route 6, which takes you past Guelph, arriving at Owen Sound. Make sure to pay attention to the speed limits and watch out for tolls.

Combinationof Highway 6 and 401

The third option is a combination of the Highway 6 and 401 routes, covering a distance of approximately 215 km. Take the QEW and merge onto Highway 403 westbound towards Hamilton. Take the Brantford exit towards Highway 2. Continue to follow the road, then take the ramp onto 403 east towards Toronto and exit on your right onto Highway 6 North towards Guelph. From there, follow the Ontario Provincial Route 6 until you arrive in Owen Sound.

Cost Comparisons

When comparing the cost of each route, several factors come into play. These include the current price of gas, bridge and road tolls, and any parking expenses. With that said, we can use average gas prices to estimate how much each route would cost.

Highway 6 route Cost

Based on a current gas price of around $1.18 per liter and a distance of 170km, using an average of 8 liters per 100 km, the total cost of gas for the Highway 6 route would be around $18.80.

Highway 401 route Cost

Driving the Highway 401 route would cover a distance of around 240km. Using an average of 10 liters per 100km, you would need about 26 liters of gas, which amounts to approximately $30.68.

Combined Highway 6 and 401 Cost

With a distance of approximately 215km and using the average of 9 liters per 100 km, driving a combination of the Highway 6 and 401 routes would require about 19 liters of gas, which totals about $22.42.

When considering the cost of each route, it is easy to see that taking the Highway 6 route is the most cost-effective option, but it may not be worth the extra time if you have a tight schedule. The best option, dependent on traffic and time of day, is usually a combination of the highways. This route offers a good balance between cost and time, and you will also get to see some beautiful scenery along the way.

Additional Costs

Apart from gas prices, other factors can affect the total cost of your trip. These include toll fares and parking fees, which you should factor into your budget.

Tolls

If you decide to take the Highway 6 route, you will encounter only two toll bridges – the Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway, which costs $5.75, and the Thorold Tunnel, which costs $4.85. If you take the Highway 401 route, you will come across several toll booths depending on your route. Take note of the toll fares to better plan your budget.

Parking

Finally, you should also consider parking fees if you plan to park your car at any point during your journey. The cost of parking varies from place to place, but you may want to consider reserving your parking spot online beforehand to save some cash.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several route options to explore when traveling between Burlington and Owen Sound, each with its pros and cons. The choice ultimately depends on what works best for your budget and schedule. However, the Highway 6 route is the most cost-effective, while a combination of the Highway 6 and 401 is the best balance between cost and travel time. Keep in mind road tolls and parking fees when calculating your total expenses. Safe travels!