The Cost of Driving between Buffalo Grove, IL and Hartford, CT in 2021
If you are planning a road trip from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Hartford, Connecticut, determining the cost of the trip can be an essential factor. The cost of a trip between these two cities can depend on various factors such as the distance, fuel efficiency, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will explore three different possible routes. We will consider how much each route costs and highlight the distance, driving time, and possible sightseeing opportunities along the way.
Route 1: Via I-90 E and I-84 E
When taking Route 1, you will follow I-90 E and I-84 E. Taking this route from Buffalo Grove, you will travel approximately 886 miles, and it will take you about 13 hours to reach Hartford, Connecticut.
Fuel Cost
The fuel cost of this route will depend on your car's fuel efficiency, the current gas prices, and the route's distance. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, which is consistent with most medium to large-sized cars, you would need at least 35.4 gallons of gas to complete the journey. As of May 2021, the average gas price in Illinois is around $3.16 per gallon, while the average gas price in Connecticut is around $2.97 per gallon.
Thus, to complete the journey via I-90 E and I-84 E, you can expect to spend approximately $112 on gas (35.4 gallons x $3.16 per gallon) while departing from Buffalo Grove and around $105 (35.4 gallons x $2.97 per gallon) while returning to Buffalo Grove.
Sightseeing Opportunities
If you want to stop for some sightseeing, you can stop at some popular attractions, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Niagara Falls State Park, and Finger Lakes State Park.
Advantages
The Advantage of taking this route is that it is the fastest and most direct route between the two cities.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantage of this route is that it is the most expensive of the three routes, largely due to the high gas prices in Illinois.
Route 2: Via I-290 E and I-90 E
Taking Route 2 means that you will travel via I-290 E and I-90 E. This route is 925 miles long and should take you around 14 hours to reach Hartford, Connecticut.
Fuel Cost
The fuel cost of this route will also depend on the current gas prices, your car's fuel efficiency, and the distance you plan to travel. Based on an average of 25 miles per gallon, you would need at least 37 gallons of gas to reach Hartford when departing from Buffalo Grove. Expect to spend around $117 (37 gallons x $3.16 per gallon) on gas during the journey to Hartford and around $110 (37 gallons x $2.97 per gallon) while returning to Buffalo Grove.
Sightseeing Opportunities
Along this route, there are a few sightseeing opportunities, including the Grand Victoria Casino, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Shedd Aquarium.
Advantages
The primary advantage of this route is that it is cheaper than Route 1 due to a slightly shorter distance between Buffalo Grove and Hartford.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of this route is that it is slightly longer than Route 1, hence taking more time, not to mention the traffic congestion that you may experience in the Chicago area.
Route 3: Via I-80 E and I-84 E
The last possible route leads you along I-80 E and I-84 E. It is the shortest route, covering a distance of about 847 miles, which should take you around 13 hours to reach Hartford, Connecticut.
Fuel Cost
Based on an average car's fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 34 gallons of gas to cover the whole distance. Therefore, when departing from Buffalo Grove, you should spend around $107 (34 gallons x $3.16 per gallon) on fuel during your travel to Hartford. Also, expect to spend around $101 (34 gallons x $2.97 per gallon) while returning to Buffalo Grove.
Sightseeing Opportunities
Some sightseeing options along this route include Six Flags Great America, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Mystic Seaport Museum.
Advantages
The main advantage of this route is that it is the shortest route, hence taking less time than Routes 1 and 2.
Disadvantages
The major disadvantage of this route is that it takes you through the Chicago area, which is where you might experience heavy traffic or congestion.
Conclusion
While selecting the best route may depend on personal preferences, we can recommend taking Route 3, as it is the shortest and most fuel-efficient. Although this route takes you through the congested Chicago area, it is still cheaper than other routes because of its shorter distance. Additionally, it also provides some attractive sightseeing locations along the route, making it more enjoyable and comfortable to travel. When traveling between Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and Hartford, Connecticut, you should budget for several stops for rest, food, or sightseeing. A trip that typically takes about 13 hours requires proper planning to avoid fatigue, so plan your trip accordingly.