The Cost of a Trip between Cambridge and Haverhill: Navigating Gas Prices
When planning a trip between Cambridge and Haverhill, one of the first things that comes to mind is the cost of gas. With gas prices fluctuating, it can be challenging to determine what the actual cost will be for the trip. In this article, we will explore the different driving routes, highlight the cost of each trip, and recommend the best route to take based on the current gas prices.
Route Options
There are two primary routes to take from Cambridge to Haverhill: the I-95 and the I-93. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, and each carries a different cost, distance, and travel time.
Option 1: I-95 Route
The I-95 route takes you through the eastern part of Massachusetts and is the quickest route to Haverhill. However, this route also carries the highest cost due to the tolls you will encounter along the way. The following are the tolls you will face while taking this route and the rough cost of each toll:
- Tobin Bridge: $5.50
- Sumner Tunnel: $3.50
- Ted Williams Tunnel: $7.50
- Callahan Tunnel: $3.00
- Newburyport Turnpike: $2.20
This route will take you approximately 45 minutes to get to Haverhill with a distance of 36.6 miles.
Option 2: I-93 Route
The I-93 route takes you through the western part of Massachusetts and is the exact opposite of the I-95 route in terms of cost and distance. This route has zero tolls, but it takes the longest to reach Haverhill. The following are the details of this route:
- Distance: 48.2 miles
- Time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cost of Each Route
To calculate the cost of each route, we must first look at the average cost of gas in Massachusetts. According to Gasbuddy.com, the average price of gas in Massachusetts as of August 2021 is $3.13 per gallon.
Option 1: I-95 Route
To calculate the cost of gas for the I-95 route, we must use the following formula:
(Gas price per gallon) x (number of gallons needed for the trip)
For this route, we will need approximately 2.5 gallons of gas, as it is an ultra-short trip. Therefore, the cost of gas for this route is as follows:
$3.13 x 2.5 = $7.83
Adding the tolls to the cost of gas, the total cost for this route is approximately $21.03.
Option 2: I-93 Route
Calculating the cost of gas for the I-93 route is the same process as the I-95 route. The only difference is that we must calculate for a longer distance. For this route, we will need approximately 3 gallons of gas. Therefore, the cost of gas for this route is as follows:
$3.13 x 3 = $9.39
Since there are no tolls for this route, the total cost is $9.39.
Recommended Route
Based on the current gas prices, we recommend taking the I-93 route. Although it may take longer, it is a more affordable option for this type of trip. Moreover, since there are no tolls, the actual cost of gas for this trip is clear.
However, suppose you are not concerned about the cost and want to reach your destination faster. In that case, the I-95 route may be a better choice. Additionally, suppose you are traveling during non-peak traffic hours. In that case, the time difference between both routes may not be significant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Cambridge to Haverhill can vary widely depending on the route you take, gas prices, and tolls. We recommend taking the I-93 route if you are concerned about the cost of gas. However, if you want to reach your destination faster and are willing to pay higher tolls, the I-95 route may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we hope this article has helped you make an informed choice for your next trip.