The Cost of a Trip Between Bettendorf, Iowa and Aurora, Illinois
Are you planning a road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa to Aurora, Illinois? If so, one of the critical factors you need to consider is the cost of the trip, which largely depends on gas prices. In this article, we'll break down the cost of various travel routes, including distance, fuel consumption, and tolls, to help you make informed decisions about your road trip expenses.
Possible Routes
When traveling from Bettendorf, Iowa to Aurora, Illinois, there are a few potential routes you can take. Each route has its merits and demerits, depending on factors like the distance, scenic views, and gas prices. The three possible routes we will examine are:
- I-80 W
- I-88 W
- US-52 W and I-39 S
I-80 W Route
The first route we will examine is I-80 W. It is the most direct route for traveling from Bettendorf to Aurora, which covers a distance of approximately 185 miles. From Bettendorf, drive west on I-80 W and continue for about 168 miles until you reach departure 126 for IL-26 toward Princeton/Dixon. Continue on the IL-26 exit ramp and turn right onto IL-26 N. Drive for about a mile, then make another right onto US-30 E. After driving for about three miles, turn right onto Indian Rd, and then left onto Ford St. After driving for about a mile, you'll merge onto I-39 S/I-88 W, from where Aurora, Illinois, is only 15 miles away.
I-88 W Route
The second route is I-88 W. From Bettendorf, drive west on I-80 W until you reach a departure for I-88 W near East Moline, Illinois, which is approximately 137 miles from Bettendorf. Continue to drive on I-88 W for 70 miles until you reach Aurora, Illinois.
US-52 W and I-39 S Route
The third and final route is US-52 W and I-39 S. From Bettendorf, drive west on I-80 W until you reach a departure for US-52 W near Dixon, Illinois, which is approximately 130 miles from Bettendorf. Continue to drive on US-52 W for 17 miles, then take the exit onto I-39 S. Drive on I-39 S for about 39 miles, then merge onto I-88 W from where Aurora, Illinois, is only four miles away.
Cost of the Trip
Fuel consumption is the most significant expense involved in a road trip, and so we must compute the cost of each route based on gas prices. In this section, we will analyze the cost of each route based on gas prices, estimated mile per gallon consumption, and total distance to be covered.
Fuel prices
As gas prices fluctuate day by day, we must assume an average gas price to compute the cost of each route. As per AAA's daily fuel gauge report, the average price of regular gasoline in Illinois is $3.05/gallon as of July 2021. Based on this price, we'll compute the cost of each route.
I-80 W Route
To drive from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Aurora, Illinois, using the I-80 W Route, you will cover approximately 185 miles. Suppose your vehicle runs at the average mile per gallon rate of 25 mpg. In that case, you will require around 7.4 gallons of gasoline to complete the journey. Therefore, the total estimated cost of gas, at $3.05/gallon, will be $22.57.
I-88 W Route
To drive from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Aurora, Illinois, using the I-88 W Route, you will cover around 207 miles. If your vehicle runs at the average mile per gallon rate of 25 mpg, you will require nearly 8.28 gallons of gasoline to complete the journey. Therefore, the total estimated cost of gas, at $3.05/gallon, will be $25.25.
US-52 W and I-39 S Route
To drive from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Aurora, Illinois, using the US-52 W and I-39 S Route, you will cover around 181 miles. If your vehicle runs at the average mile per gallon rate of 25 mpg, you will require around 7.24 gallons of gasoline to complete the journey. Therefore, the total estimated cost of gas, at $3.05/gallon, will be $22.10.
From the above analysis of the cost of each route, we can see that the US-52 W and I-39 S Route is the most cost-effective option. However, there are other expenses that we should consider, such as toll costs, which could somewhat change our conclusion.
Toll Costs
The toll costs for each route are as follows:
I-80 W Route
- Iowa/ Illinois state line - East Morris Toll Plaza: $12.50
- Byron Plaza - O'Hare Oasis Plaza: $3.60
- Total Toll Cost: $16.10
I-88 W Route
- No tolls incurred on this route
US-52 W and I-39 S Route
- No tolls incurred on this route
From the above analysis, we can see that the I-80 W Route incorporates a sizeable toll expense of $16.10, along with gas costs. Therefore, the US-52 W and I-39 S Route is still the most cost-effective option.
Best Route
The US-52 W and I-39 S Route is the best option for traveling from Bettendorf, Iowa to Aurora, Illinois, based on the cost analysis. It is the cheapest route, and drivers can avoid any significant toll expenses. Additionally, the journey is filled with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Midwest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cheapest route to take when traveling from Bettendorf, Iowa to Aurora, Illinois, is the US-52 W and I-39 S Route. It is 181 miles long, providing spectacular views while avoiding any significant tolls. The estimated cost of gas is $22.10, based on an average of 25 miles per gallon and a fuel cost of $3.05 per gallon. Safe travels!