The Cost of a Boston to Pittsburgh Road Trip Based on Gas Prices

With the price of gasoline being a critical factor in planning a road trip, it's essential to calculate the cost before hitting the road. In this article, we will discuss the various possible routes between Boston, Massachusetts, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, highlighting the distance between each one and the cost of the trip based on current gas prices. We'll provide a comparison of the routes and recommend the best one for people on a budget.

The Routes

There are primarily three routes between Boston and Pittsburgh. The first option is the direct route via I-90 W and I-79 S. The second option is via I-84 W and I-81 S. The third option is via I-84 W, I-684 S, and I-287 S.

The Direct Route

The fastest and shortest route is via I-90 W and I-79 S. The total distance between Boston and Pittsburgh using this route is around 628.6 miles, and the travel time is approximately 10 hours and 48 minutes (according to Google Maps). When traveling in a regular passenger car, you will need approximately 25 gallons of gasoline, given the average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. At the current gas prices of $3.25 per gallon, the cost of this trip would produce a fuel cost of $81.25 one way.

The I-84 W and I-81 S Way

The second route is via I-84 W and I-81 S. The total distance between Boston and Pittsburgh via this route is approximately 710 miles, and the travel time is around 12 hours according to Google Maps. When traveling in a regular passenger car, you will need approximately 28.5 gallons of gasoline, given the average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. At the current gas prices of $3.25 per gallon, the fuel cost of this trip would be $92.63 one way.

The I-84 W, I-684 S, and I-287 S Option

The third and last option is a slightly longer route via I-84 W, I-684 S, and I-287 S. The total distance between Boston and Pittsburgh via this route is around 731 miles, with a travel time of 13 hours and 15 minutes (according to Google Maps). When traveling in a regular passenger car, you will need approximately 29.25 gallons of gasoline given the average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG. At the current gas prices of $3.25 per gallon, the fuel cost of this trip would be around $94.81 one way.

The Best Route

After comparing the three routes based on distance and cost, the I-90 W and I-79 S route appears to be the best option for people on a budget. It is the shortest and the fastest route, with a travel time of just over 10 hours. Also, the fuel cost for this route is cheaper than the others.

If you have extra time on your hands and would like to explore other cities on the way to Pittsburgh, you can consider the other two routes as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Boston to Pittsburgh road trip is doable and relatively affordable. Planning the route will enable you to save money and time. Don't forget that the total fuel cost of the trip may differ based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and the gas prices may alter between the time the article was written and your departure date. So, it would be best if you double-checked your costs based on the most current prices before your road trip. Enjoy your journey from Boston to Pittsburgh!