The Cost of Driving between Buffalo, NY and Bloomington, IN with Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Bloomington, Indiana? The distance between the two cities is approximately 550 miles, and if you're driving, you'll want to know the cost of the trip. Gas prices can vary greatly depending on the route you take, so we've done some research to find the best options for you.
Route Options
There are a few different route options to consider when driving from Buffalo to Bloomington. Here are the four main routes to choose from:
Route 1: Through Detroit, MI
This route takes you through Detroit and takes approximately 10 hours. Travelers should head west on I-90, and then south on I-75. From there, take I-75 to I-375 into Detroit, which will connect you to I-96. From there, take I-94 west to 131 near Kalamazoo, MI, and head south to I-94 again. This will take you to I-69, where you will head west into Indiana.
Route 2: Through Pittsburgh, PA
This route takes approximately 9 hours and is a bit shorter than the route that goes through Detroit. Start by heading south on I-90 and then get on I-79 S to Pittsburgh. From Pittsburgh, take I-70 W, then I-470 W through West Virginia. After that, take I-70 W and then I-74 W into Indiana.
Route 3: Through Cleveland, OH
This route also takes approximately 9 hours and offers some beautiful sights along the way. Start by heading south on I-90 until you reach Cleveland. Take OH-237, I-71 S, and I-70 W until you reach Indianapolis, then take I-74 W into Bloomington.
Route 4: Through Chicago, IL
This route is the longest at about 12 hours and is the least direct way to get from Buffalo to Bloomington. However, it takes you through Chicago, a world-class city that you may want to stop and explore. Starting in Buffalo, travel west on I-90 and then south on I-94 into Chicago. From there, take I-290 W to I-88 W, which will take you into Indiana.
Gas Costs
Using gas prices as of September 2021, we calculated the approximate cost of gas for each route. The numbers are based on an average of 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices are based on the average across the United States.
Route 1: Through Detroit, MI
- Distance: 597 miles
- Gas cost: $85-$95
Route 2: Through Pittsburgh, PA
- Distance: 555 miles
- Gas cost: $80-$90
Route 3: Through Cleveland, OH
- Distance: 538 miles
- Gas cost: $77-$87
Route 4: Through Chicago, IL
- Distance: 634 miles
- Gas cost: $91-$102
As you can see, gas prices for each route are relatively similar, hovering around $80 to $100 for the entire trip. However, Route 4 through Chicago is the longest and simultaneously most expensive due to its total distance.
The Best Route
So which route is the best option? It depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're trying to stretch your gas budget, then choosing Route 3 through Cleveland, OH may be the most cost-effective. On the other hand, if you're looking for an option that offers plenty of fun stops along the way, then Route 4 through Chicago may be your best bet. If you prefer a more direct route, then Routes 1 and 2 may be better suited for your needs.
Ultimately, the route you choose should be based on your specific goals for this road trip. Each path has its pros and cons, and it's up to you to decide what's most important when you're embarking on this journey.
Conclusion
Driving from Buffalo, NY to Bloomington, IN will take a full day but is an adventure worth taking. While the cost of gas can vary depending on the route you take, the differences may not be significant.
Overall, Route 2 through Pittsburgh, PA may be the best option for most people. It's relatively short, includes a great city to visit, and doesn't deviate too much from the most direct path. No matter what route you choose, be sure to have a full tank before starting your journey, and you'll be set for a great trip.