The Cost of Driving From Bartlett to Algonquin: A Comprehensive Guide
As the world slowly opens up after the pandemic, we're all itching to get out and explore. And what better way to do that than with a good old-fashioned road trip? If you're in the Chicago area, specifically Bartlett, and are looking for a quick getaway, Algonquin is a great destination to consider. But before you hit the road, you'll want to know how much it's going to cost you. Here's a breakdown of the cost of driving from Bartlett to Algonquin based on current gas prices.
Route 1: IL-25 N and W Algonquin Rd
The first route we'll consider takes you on a scenic drive through downtown Algonquin. To get there, you'll take IL-25 N and W Algonquin Rd. This route is approximately 9.5 miles long and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The gas price in Illinois, according to GasBuddy, is currently around $3.05/gallon. Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll use around 0.38 gallons of gas to get from Bartlett to Algonquin. This means this trip will cost about $1.16 in gas. Additionally, this route involves no tolls, so your travel cost remains the same.
Route 2: I-90 W
The second option is to take I-90 W, which is roughly 11 miles in length and takes about 16 minutes. This route has tolls. Using the Illinois Tollway rate chart, the cost of a full toll to Algonquin is $1.90 for an I-PASS holder and $3.60 for a cash customer.
Assuming gas remains the same and a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll use around 0.44 gallons of gas to get from Bartlett to Algonquin. This means the cost of gas for this route is roughly $1.34.
As for the total cost, if you're an I-PASS holder, the cost to travel to Algonquin is approximately $3.06--this includes the gas and toll. If you're paying cash for the toll, then the total cost of this trip is $5.94.
Route 3: Randall Rd and County Rd
The third and final route takes you through Randall Rd and County Rd. This route is approximately 12.3 miles and takes about 23 minutes to complete.
Again assuming gas remains the same and a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you'll use around 0.49 gallons of gas to get to Algonquin. This means the gas cost for this route is around $1.49. The downside to this route is that there are three tolls along the way, which drives up the cost of this trip. Using the Illinois Tollway rates table, the cost of tolls for this route is $1.90 for an I-PASS holder and $3.60 for cash customers at each plaza. This means that the total cost for this route is:
- I-PASS holders: $8.10
- Cash customers: $13.99
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost to drive from Bartlett to Algonquin varies depending on the route you take. The cheapest option is Route 1, which only costs about $1.16 in gas and has no tolls. Route 2 costs roughly $3.06 for I-PASS holders and $5.94 for cash customers, while Route 3 can be costly due to its 3 tolled plazas, with a total cost of around $9.50 for I-PASS holders and approximately $15.39 for cash-driven cars. Overall, though, the trip is relatively affordable, and the stunning scenery is well worth the cost. Happy travels!