The Cost of a Trip Between Cambridge, Massachusetts and Garden City South, New York Based on Current Gas Prices

If you're planning to travel from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Garden City South, New York, it's important to consider the cost of the trip. One of the biggest expenses associated with traveling is the cost of transportation, so you'll want to assess your options carefully. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the cost of traveling between these two cities and offer recommendations for the best route.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take when traveling between Cambridge and Garden City South. Each route has its own pros and cons, including differences in distance, traffic, and tolls.

Route 1: I-95 S

One of the most direct routes is to take I-95 South all the way to Garden City South. This route is about 214 miles long and takes approximately 3.5-4 hours to complete. While it's the fastest route, it also includes more tolls than other routes.

Route 2: I-84 W and I-684 S

Another option is to take I-84 West and then switch to I-684 South. This route is about 233 miles long and takes approximately 4-4.5 hours to complete. While it's slightly longer, there are fewer tolls, and you can avoid some of the traffic on I-95.

Route 3: I-90 W and I-87 S

A third option is to take I-90 West and then switch to I-87 South. This route is about 237 miles long and takes approximately 4-4.5 hours to complete. While it's similar in length to Route 2, it includes more tolls than Route 2 and can be more congested.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to choosing the best route, it's important to consider the costs associated with each option. In particular, you'll want to factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and perhaps even accommodations if you plan to take an overnight trip.

Gas

As of August 2021, the average gas price in Massachusetts is around $3.12 per gallon, while the average gas price in New York is around $3.14 per gallon. To calculate how much you'll spend on gas for your trip, you'll need to consider the distance you'll be traveling and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around $34 on gas for Route 1, $37 on gas for Route 2, and $38 on gas for Route 3.

Tolls

Tolls can be a significant expense when traveling by car. To calculate your toll expenses, you'll need to factor in the number of tolls you'll encounter along each route and the amount charged for each toll.

For Route 1, you can expect to pay at least $35 in tolls. This route includes tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike, the Connecticut Turnpike, the New York State Thruway, and the Cross Island Parkway.

For Route 2, you can expect to pay at least $13 in tolls. This route includes a toll on the Massachusetts Turnpike and a toll on the New York State Thruway.

For Route 3, you can expect to pay at least $22 in tolls. This route includes tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike, the New York State Thruway, and the Cross Island Parkway.

Accommodations

If you're planning to take an overnight trip, you'll also need to factor in the cost of accommodations. Depending on your budget and preferences, you may opt to stay in a hotel, motel, or Airbnb. The cost of accommodations can vary widely depending on the level of luxury you desire.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost analysis, Route 2 (I-84 W and I-684 S) is the most cost-effective route. It's only slightly longer than Route 1, but it includes fewer tolls, which can add up quickly. Additionally, Route 2 allows you to avoid some of the traffic on I-95.

Conclusion

When traveling from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Garden City South, New York, it's important to consider your options carefully to minimize costs. While each route has its own pros and cons, Route 2 (I-84 W and I-684 S) offers the best balance of time savings and affordability. With a total distance of 233 miles and an estimated travel time of 4-4.5 hours, it's a great option for anyone looking to travel on a budget.