Driving Cost from Burlington, Vermont to Plainfield, Massachusetts

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The Cost of a Trip between Burlington, Vermont and Plainfield, Massachusetts: A Guide for Budget Travelers

Traveling from Burlington, Vermont to Plainfield, Massachusetts doesn't have to break the bank. With some careful planning, you can explore this beautiful region of the United States while still sticking to a budget. In this article, we'll break down the cost of different routes between Burlington and Plainfield and recommend the best option for budget travelers.

Route Options

Before we dive into the cost and distance of each route, let's take a look at the different options available to you:

  1. Driving: By far the most popular option, driving gives you the flexibility to stop and explore along the way.

  2. Bus: If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a bus from Burlington to Plainfield.

  3. Train: There are no direct trains between Burlington and Plainfield, but you can take a train from Burlington to Springfield, Massachusetts, and then transfer to a bus or arrange for a ride to Plainfield.

  4. Private Car: For those who want to ride in style, you can also hire a private car or taxi to take you from Burlington to Plainfield.

Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, so let's take a closer look at each one.

Driving

Driving is by far the most convenient and flexible option for traveling between Burlington and Plainfield. You can choose your own route, stop wherever you want, and take in the stunning scenery along the way. However, driving will also cost you the most in terms of gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle.

Route 1: I-89 S and I-91 S

This is the most direct route, taking you from Burlington to Plainfield in just over two hours. The total distance is 130 miles. With the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend around $20 on gas for a compact car with average fuel efficiency. Larger vehicles will cost you more.

Route 2: Scenic Route 100 South

If you have a bit more time and want to take the scenic route, you can travel down Route 100 South from Burlington to Plainfield. This route takes you through charming towns and past stunning natural scenery, making it a popular choice for tourists. The total distance is 160 miles, and you can expect to spend around $27 on gas with current prices.

Bus

Taking a bus from Burlington to Plainfield is an affordable option for budget travelers. However, it's important to note that you'll be limited in terms of flexibility and stops.

Option 1: Greyhound Bus

The Greyhound Bus offers daily trips between Burlington and Boston, with a stop in Worcester along the way. From Worcester, you can arrange for a ride or take the bus to Plainfield. The cost for a one-way ticket starts at $29, although prices vary depending on the day and time of travel.

Option 2: Amtrak Thruway Bus

Another option is to take the Amtrak Thruway Bus from Burlington to Springfield, Massachusetts. From there, you can take another bus or arrange for a ride to Plainfield. The cost for a one-way ticket on the bus starts at $19, and you can purchase a combined train and bus ticket for a discounted price.

Train

While there are no direct trains between Burlington and Plainfield, you can take a train from Burlington to Springfield and then transfer to a bus or arrange for a ride. This option may be more comfortable and convenient than taking a bus.

Option 1: Amtrak Vermonter

The Amtrak Vermonter runs once daily from Burlington to Springfield, with stops along the way in towns like Montpelier and Brattleboro. The total travel time is around four hours. From Springfield, you can take a bus or arrange for a ride to Plainfield.

Option 2: Amtrak Northeast Regional

Another option is to take the Amtrak Northeast Regional from Burlington to New Haven, Connecticut, and then transfer to a bus or train to Springfield. This option will take longer but may be more affordable, with one-way tickets starting at $39.

Private Car

For those who prefer to travel in style, you can also hire a private car or taxi to take you from Burlington to Plainfield. This option will cost you significantly more than driving or taking public transportation but may be worth it for the added comfort and convenience.

Elite Limo

Elite Limo is a popular car service in Vermont that offers private transportation between Burlington and Plainfield. The cost for a one-way trip is around $250, depending on the type of vehicle and the time of day.

Recommendation

Based on our analysis, we recommend that budget travelers opt for driving or taking a bus from Burlington to Plainfield. Driving is the most convenient and flexible option, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace. If you prefer to take public transportation, the Greyhound Bus offers an affordable and convenient option, with one-way tickets starting at $29.

Conclusion

Traveling from Burlington, Vermont to Plainfield, Massachusetts can be done on a budget without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to drive, take a bus or train, or hire a private car. We recommend that budget travelers opt for driving or taking a bus for the most affordable and convenient options. No matter which route you choose, you're sure to enjoy the stunning scenery and charming towns along the way.