The Cost of Driving from Baton Rouge to Chicago Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Baton Rouge to Chicago? While it can be an exciting adventure, it's important to factor in the cost of the trip. In this post, we'll break down the different routes you can take, the distance, time, and cost of each route based on current gas prices. Let's dive in!
Route 1: I-55 N
The first route we'll explore is taking I-55 N all the way to Chicago. This is the most direct route, but it does include tolls. The total distance is approximately 943 miles, and it can take about 14-15 hours (depending on traffic and stops). Using the current national gas average of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $120 on gas for a round trip. Tolls for this route are approximately $22 each way.
- Distance: 943 miles
- Time: 14-15 hours
- Cost (gas + tolls round-trip): $262
Route 2: I-57 N
Another option is taking I-57 N, which can get you to Chicago in a slightly shorter time but with less tolls along the way. The total distance is approximately 981 miles, and it can take about 14-15 hours (depending on traffic and stops). With the current national gas average of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $124 on gas for a round trip. Tolls for this route are approximately $3 each way.
- Distance: 981 miles
- Time: 14-15 hours
- Cost (gas + tolls round-trip): $254
Route 3: I-40 E and I-44 E
A third option is to take I-40 E and I-44 E, which will take you through St. Louis before making your way to Chicago. This route provides fewer tolls and a slightly different view of the countryside. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,103 miles, and it can take about 16-17 hours (depending on traffic and stops). With the current national gas average of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $138 on gas for a round trip. Tolls for this route are approximately $14 each way.
- Distance: 1,103 miles
- Time: 16-17 hours
- Cost (gas + tolls round-trip): $290
Route 4: Scenic Route
Finally, for those who like a scenic drive and don't mind adding some extra time, there is an option to take I-55 N all the way to Chicago but with a scenic detour through Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The total distance for this route is approximately 1,070 miles, and it can take about 17-18 hours (depending on traffic and stops). With the current national gas average of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $135 on gas for a round trip. Tolls for this route are approximately $22 each way.
- Distance: 1,070 miles
- Time: 17-18 hours
- Cost (gas + tolls round-trip): $259
Ultimately, the cost of your road trip from Baton Rouge to Chicago will depend on the route you take, your gas consumption, and any tolls you may encounter along the way. However, no matter which route you choose, the journey will no doubt be filled with beautiful scenery and memories to last a lifetime. Happy travels!