The Cost of a Trip Between Boston and Plymouth: Navigating High Gas Prices
If you're planning a trip from Boston to Plymouth, whether it's for a day trip or a longer vacation, you're probably wondering how much it's going to cost you. The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors, but one of the most important is the price of gas. With gas prices fluctuating constantly, it's important to be aware of your options and do some comparison shopping to find the most cost-effective route. In this article, we'll break down the cost of a trip between Boston and Plymouth, exploring different options for getting there and highlighting the distance and cost of each.
Route Options
There are a few different ways to get from Boston to Plymouth, each with its own pros and cons. Here are four of the most popular routes:
Route 1: Taking I-93 South to Route 3 South
One of the most straightforward routes is to simply take I-93 South straight to Route 3 South. This route is about 40 miles long and takes about an hour in normal traffic conditions.
The cost of gas will depend on the current price of gas when you make the trip. According to AAA's daily fuel gauge report, in mid-August 2021, gas prices in Massachusetts ranged from about $3.00 to $3.20 per gallon. Assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (which is a reasonable estimate for most cars), this route will cost about $12-$13 in gas for a one-way trip.
Route 2: Taking I-90 West to I-495 South
Another option is to take I-90 West and then switch to I-495 South. This route is longer, at about 58 miles, but may be faster or slower depending on traffic conditions.
Using the same assumptions about gas prices and fuel efficiency, this route will cost about $22-$24 in gas for a one-way trip.
Route 3: Taking Route 3A South
If you're looking for a scenic route, you might consider taking Route 3A South. This route follows the coast and offers beautiful views of the water. It's a bit longer than the other options, at about 47 miles, and can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours depending on traffic.
Because this route is longer and the speed limit is generally lower than on the highways, it's likely to use more gas than the other options. Based on our assumptions, this route will cost about $18-$20 in gas for a one-way trip.
Route 4: Taking the Commuter Rail
If you don't want to drive, you might consider taking the commuter rail from Boston to Plymouth. This option is more expensive, but it can be more relaxing and convenient than driving. The commuter rail runs from Boston's South Station to Plymouth Station, with a one-way ticket costing around $10-$15 depending on the time of day and whether or not you purchase in advance.
Cost Comparison
So which route is the most cost-effective? Here's a breakdown of the cost of each option, assuming a one-way trip.
| Route | Distance | Approx. Travel Time | Gas Cost | Commuter Rail Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-93 South to Route 3 South | 40 mi | 1 hour | $12-$13 | N/A | $12-$13 |
| I-90 West to I-495 South | 58 mi | 1 hour 15 min | $22-$24 | N/A | $22-$24 |
| Route 3A South | 47 mi | 1.5-2 hours | $18-$20 | N/A | $18-$20 |
| Commuter Rail | N/A | 1 hour 15 min | N/A | $10-$15 | $10-$15 |
As you can see, taking the commuter rail is the most expensive option, but it can be a good choice if you don't want to drive or deal with traffic. If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, taking I-93 South straight to Route 3 South is probably your best bet.
Conclusion
Traveling from Boston to Plymouth can be an affordable and enjoyable experience, as long as you plan ahead and check gas prices before you hit the road. By choosing the right route and being mindful of your fuel consumption, you can save money and enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer. Safe travels!