The Cost of a Trip from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington in Today's Gas Prices

Traveling across the country can be an adventurous experience, but it can also be expensive. The cost of gas fluctuates, and so does the cost of a long drive. There are different routes that one can take when traveling from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington, and each route comes at a different cost. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and the distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on our findings.

Route Options

When driving from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington, there are primarily three possible routes:

I-90 W

This is the longest of the three routes, spanning over 3,000 miles, but it also proves to be the most scenic. This route traverses through many states, starting in Massachusetts and ending in Washington.

I-80 W

This route spans almost 2,800 miles, starting in Massachusetts and ending in California, where you'll then head north to Seattle. This route is somewhat shorter than I-90 W.

I-70 W

This route is the shortest of the three, spanning just under 2,500 miles and passing through fewer states. This route starts in Maryland and ends in Utah, where you'll then head north to Seattle.

Cost and Distance

When it comes to planning a trip, the cost is a significant consideration, and rightly so. However, there is more to consider than just the price of fuel. Things like food, lodging, and sightseeing all factor into the cost of a trip. We will focus solely on the cost of fuel and the distance each route covers.

We’ll be using the average gas prices across the US, which as of April 2021 is $2.86 per gallon. Keep in mind that this price varies from state to state, so the overall cost may fluctuate in various places.

I-90 W

This route is the longest of the three, spanning 3,101 miles. Assuming an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, this route will consume a little over 124 gallons of gas. The total cost of gas for this route will be approximately $355.06.

I-80 W

This route is somewhat shorter than I-90 W, spanning 2,790 miles. Assuming an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, this route will consume just over 111 gallons of gas. The total cost of gas for this route will be approximately $318.06.

I-70 W

This route is the shortest route, spanning just under 2,500 miles. Assuming an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, this route will consume roughly 100 gallons of gas. Therefore, the total cost of gas for this route will be approximately $286.08.

Best Route

Based on the cost of gas and the distance each route covers, I-70 W proves to be the most economical route, costing approximately $286.08. It also has the lowest mileage of all three routes with its approximately 2,500 miles. Although the other two routes are more scenic, if you're looking to drive to Seattle as affordably as possible, then I-70 W is the way to go.

Conclusion

Driving from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington can take anywhere between 40 – 50 hours, depending on the route taken. The trip requires careful planning, preparation, and budgeting. This article provided a summary of the primary routes from Cambridge to Seattle, highlighting the cost and the distance of each route. Based on our findings, I-70 W is the best route to take if you are being budget-conscious. It is the shortest of the three routes and carries with it the least expense. Planning a road trip can be a very exciting experience, and it doesn't have to be expensive.