The Cost of Driving from Broadview, Illinois to Highland, Indiana on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning to take a day trip or visit friends and family in Highland, Indiana? If you're driving from Broadview, Illinois, there are a few routes you can take. Let's look at the distance, time, tolls, and gas prices for each of those routes to find the most cost-effective one.
Route 1: I-294 S and I-80 E
This is the most direct route, although it does come with some tolls. The distance between Broadview and Highland using this route is 34.7 miles, and it takes approximately 38 minutes without traffic. However, during rush hours, the travel time can easily stretch to over an hour. The toll fare for this route is $4.70, which can add up if you're traveling back and forth frequently.
Using AAA's fuel cost calculator, the estimated cost for gas is about $4.16 based on Illinois' average gas prices of $3.03/gallon as of September 2021. So, a round trip to Highland using this route would cost around $9.86 in gas plus the tolls.
Route 2: I-290 W and I-294 S
If you don't mind paying an additional toll, then this route can help you avoid the high traffic on I-80 E. The distance using this route is 33.6 miles, which is slightly shorter than the first one, and the travel time is about 36 minutes without traffic. The toll fare for this route is $6.50, which is higher than the first option.
Using the same fuel cost calculator, the estimated cost for gas is around $4.09 by following this route. So, a round trip with this option costs around $10.69 in gas and tolls.
Route 3: US-12 E
This is the toll-free alternative option. However, this route is not as fast as the others since it's a two-lane highway. The distance between Broadview and Highland is 39.6 miles, and it takes approximately 48 minutes without traffic. But, if you have some extra time and don't want to pay tolls, this could be the best route for you.
The estimated cost of gas based on this route is about $4.56, as per the fuel cost calculator. So, a round trip with this option costs around $9.12 in gas only.
Conclusion
The overall cost of the trip depends on your preference for a shorter distance, less traffic, or toll-free. If you want to save time and don't mind paying extra for tolls, then Route 1 or Route 2 could be the best choice. But if you're on a tight budget, maybe considering Route 3, which doesn't have any tolls, would be the wiser move. In any case, ensure to check traffic conditions before heading out, as that can significantly impact the travel time and maybe even affect your gas consumption.
Safe travels!