The Cost of a Caledonia to Chicago Trip Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you planning a trip from Caledonia, Illinois, to Chicago, Illinois, and wondering what the cost will be? The answer will largely depend on the route you choose and the current gas prices. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, so you can choose the best option for your budget.
Route 1: Via I-90
The first route option is via I-90, which is the most direct route, covering a distance of approximately 86 miles. The total cost for a trip via I-90 at the current gas price of $2.60 per gallon will be:
- 86 miles one way = 172 miles round trip
- The average fuel efficiency of a car is 25 miles per gallon
- 172 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 6.88 gallons of gas
- 6.88 gallons of gas x $2.60 per gallon = $17.85
Therefore, the total cost for a round trip will be $17.85 x 2 = $35.70.
Route 2: Via US-20
If you are looking for a scenic route, you can take US-20, which covers a distance of approximately 106 miles. However, this route takes longer than I-90 and has more stoplights and stop signs. The total cost for a trip via US-20 at the current gas price of $2.60 per gallon will be:
- 106 miles one way = 212 miles round trip
- The average fuel efficiency of a car is 25 miles per gallon
- 212 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 8.48 gallons of gas
- 8.48 gallons of gas x $2.60 per gallon = $22.05
Therefore, the total cost for a round trip will be $22.05 x 2 = $44.10.
Route 3: Via I-39 and I-90
Another option is to take I-39 and connect with I-90 to get to Chicago. This route covers a distance of approximately 99 miles and is slightly longer than the first route. The total cost for a trip via I-39 and I-90 at the current gas price of $2.60 per gallon will be:
- 99 miles one way = 198 miles round trip
- The average fuel efficiency of a car is 25 miles per gallon
- 198 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 7.92 gallons of gas
- 7.92 gallons of gas x $2.60 per gallon = $20.59
Therefore, the total cost for a round trip will be $20.59 x 2 = $41.18.
Route 4: Via IL-76 and I-39
The last route option is to take IL-76 and connect with I-39 to get to Chicago. This route covers a distance of approximately 108 miles and is the longest route. The total cost for a trip via IL-76 and I-39 at the current gas price of $2.60 per gallon will be:
- 108 miles one way = 216 miles round trip
- The average fuel efficiency of a car is 25 miles per gallon
- 216 miles ÷ 25 miles per gallon = 8.64 gallons of gas
- 8.64 gallons of gas x $2.60 per gallon = $22.46
Therefore, the total cost for a round trip will be $22.46 x 2 = $44.92.
Recommendation
After comparing the different routes and their associated costs, the best option would be to take I-90. This route is the shortest and the most cost-effective, making it a great choice for those on a budget. However, if you have extra time and want to enjoy the scenic route, then taking US-20 would be a great option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the total cost of a trip from Caledonia, Illinois, to Chicago, Illinois, largely depends on the route chosen and the current gas prices. The most direct route via I-90 is the most cost-effective option, while taking the scenic route via US-20 may be a little bit more expensive. Regardless of the route chosen, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours each way. Have a great trip!