The Cost of a Trip between Burlington, VT and Barrington, NH: Navigating Gas Prices

If you're planning a trip between Burlington, Vermont and Barrington, New Hampshire, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost of gas. This can be a significant factor in your travel budget, especially if you're making multiple trips or traveling long distances. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Burlington and Barrington, focusing on the different routes available and the current gas prices.

Route Options

There are a number of different routes you can take between Burlington and Barrington, depending on your preferences and driving style. Here are the most common options:

Route 1: I-89 and I-93

This route takes you south from Burlington on I-89, then east on I-93 through New Hampshire. The total distance is approximately 170 miles, and it takes about 3 hours to drive if you don't make any stops.

Route 2: I-89 and NH-202

This route also begins on I-89 south, but instead of turning east on I-93, you'll take exit 7 in Concord, NH and continue east on NH-202. This route is slightly shorter, at around 155 miles, but takes a bit longer because it's a two-lane highway. Expect to spend about 3.5 hours on the road if you choose this route.

Route 3: US-4 and NH-9

This route takes you east out of Burlington on US-2, then south on US-7 to US-4 in Rutland, VT. You'll then take US-4 east into New Hampshire, turning south on NH-9 to reach Barrington. This is the longest route, at approximately 200 miles, and takes about 4 hours to drive without stopping.

Gas Prices

Gas prices fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, including the time of year, global supply and demand, and current events. As of August 2021, the average price of regular gasoline in Vermont is $3.18 per gallon, and in New Hampshire it's $3.02 per gallon.

To calculate the gas cost for each route, we'll assume a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) and a gas tank capacity of 14 gallons. Based on these figures, here are the estimated gas costs for each route:

Route 1: I-89 and I-93

At 170 miles, this route requires about 6.8 gallons of gas each way. Using the current average gas prices in Vermont and New Hampshire, the round trip gas cost would be approximately $65.19.

Route 2: I-89 and NH-202

This route is shorter at 155 miles, but takes a bit longer due to the two-lane highway. It requires about 6.2 gallons of gas each way, for a round trip gas cost of approximately $59.63.

Route 3: US-4 and NH-9

This is the longest route, at around 200 miles. It requires about 8 gallons of gas each way, for a total round trip gas cost of approximately $72.32.

Of course, these estimates are based on current gas prices and a particular set of assumptions. Your actual gas cost may differ depending on your car's fuel efficiency, the current gas prices, and your driving style.

Recommendation

Based on the distance, gas prices, and driving time, Route 1: I-89 and I-93 is likely the best option for most travelers. It's a quick and direct route that avoids rural two-lane highways, and has a reasonable gas cost for the distance.

If you're looking for a more scenic route and don't mind spending a bit more on gas, Route 2: I-89 and NH-202 is a good choice. It takes you through the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire and offers some great views of the White Mountains.

Finally, Route 3: US-4 and NH-9 may be a good option if you're in no hurry and want to take your time exploring the countryside. Keep in mind that this route is the longest and has a higher gas cost than the other options.

Conclusion

Whatever route you choose, the cost of gas is likely to be a significant consideration when planning a trip between Burlington and Barrington. By considering the different route options and current gas prices, you can make an informed decision and minimize the impact on your travel budget. Safe travels!