The Great Connecticut to Boston Tollbooth Treasure Hunt: How Much Loot Will You Lose?
Ah, the age-old question for any New England road warrior: how much will those pesky tolls cost you on your trip from Connecticut to Boston? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for I shall guide you through the murky maze of Massachusetts tolls without a satnav (that's a fancy word for GPS, for those who haven't ventured across the pond yet).
The Toll Tale:
There are two main routes you can take from Connecticut to Boston:
I-95, the "Speedy Gonzales" route: This bad boy is a mostly highway cruise, but buckle up for those tolls! They can vary depending on where you enter Massachusetts, the time of day (rush hour tolls are a thing, folks!), and whether you're rocking a fancy E-ZPass transponder (like a magic wand for tolls) or paying the cash toll booth toll troll (yes, that's their official title, probably). In general, expect to shell out anywhere from $7 to $14 for a two-axle vehicle.
The Scenic Route (a.k.a. avoiding tolls like a ninja): This route takes you on the winding backroads of Connecticut and Massachusetts. It's a lovely drive, perfect for gazing at cows and stopping at roadside antique shops, but beware! It can also add an extra hour or two to your trip. This route is (mostly) toll-free, but factor in the potential for impulse antique purchases that might outweigh the toll savings.
The Final Frontier: Cash, Transponder, or Cry?
- Cash: This is the most basic option, but you might get stuck waiting in line while fancy E-ZPass folks zoom on by.
- E-ZPass: This magic little box saves you time and (sometimes) money. Get one if you travel frequently, but be sure to check the specific rates for your vehicle class.
- Cry: While not recommended, it's a perfectly valid emotional response to surprise tolls. Just pull over safely first, and maybe grab a comforting Dunkin' Donuts when you're done.
Here's the TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) Version:
- I-95 is faster, but tolls will cost you $7-$14 (boo hiss).
- Scenic route is pretty (and toll-free!), but slower (and might make you spend more at antique shops).
- E-ZPass is your friend (sometimes with discounts), cash is okay, crying is...well, best avoided in public.
Bonus Round: How to Survive a Toll Booth
- Don't dig for change at the last minute. Have your toll money or E-ZPass ready.
- Keep your cool. Toll booth workers are people too (usually nice ones).
- Practice your best "thank you" for that warm fuzzy feeling (and to avoid future bad karma).
FAQ:
How to avoid tolls altogether? See "The Scenic Route" section above. Remember, time is money (sometimes).
How to get an E-ZPass? Check the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website. There's probably an app for that too (because, duh).
How to use the E-ZPass lane? Slow down, make sure your E-ZPass is properly mounted, and wave goodbye to those toll booth lines!
How much does a Dunkin' Donut cost? Enough to soothe your toll-booth woes. Prices vary, but you can't go wrong with a classic glazed.
How to make the most of a scenic route road trip? Pack snacks, sing along to bad 80s music, and embrace the adventure!
