Navigating the Cost of a Trip between Calumet City, Illinois and Merrillville, Indiana

If you're planning a trip between Calumet City, Illinois, and Merrillville, Indiana, there are several routes to consider. Each route has its own potential cost based on gas prices and distance. In this article, we'll explore the various routes, discuss the cost of each, and recommend the best route to take.

Route 1: I-94 E

The shortest and most direct route between Calumet City and Merrillville is I-94 E. This route spans approximately 16 miles and takes about 20 minutes without traffic. However, it's important to keep in mind that traffic patterns can drastically change the travel time and cost of this route.

Assuming the gas price is $2.50 per gallon, driving a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle round trip would cost roughly $4.00 in gas. If you drive an 18-mile-per-gallon vehicle, however, you'll need to pay around $5.55 for gasoline in a round trip. According to GasBuddy's trip cost calculator, this trip will cost around $11.10 round-trip in gas for a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle.

Route 2: US-6 E

Another route to consider is US-6 E, which spans approximately 17 miles and takes about 25 minutes without traffic. This route may be preferable to I-94 E if you're trying to avoid high traffic areas.

Gas prices along this route will be similar to those along I-94 E, but the distance is slightly longer, meaning you'll need to spend a bit more on gas. Based on a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, a round trip on this route in a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle would cost approximately $4.25 in gas.

Route 3: Bishop Ford Fwy and US-30 E

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking Bishop Ford Fwy and US-30 E. This route spans approximately 23 miles and takes about 40 minutes without traffic. Keep in mind that this route passes through residential areas, so traffic can potentially be very heavy.

The extra distance of this route means that gas prices will be a bit higher, so you'll need to spend more on gas. Based on a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, a round trip on this route in a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle would cost approximately $5.50 in gas.

Route 4: Thornton Lansing Rd and US-30 E

If you're looking for an even more scenic route, consider taking Thornton Lansing Rd and US-30 E. This route spans approximately 24 miles and takes about 40 minutes without traffic. However, this route also passes through residential areas, so keep in mind that traffic can potentially add a lot of time to your journey.

The increased distance of this route means gas prices will be higher. Based on a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, a round trip on this route in a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle would cost approximately $5.70 in gas.

Recommended Route

Based on cost, distance, and traffic patterns, we recommend taking either I-94 E or US-6 E. The slightly longer US-6 E may be preferable if traffic is particularly bad on I-94 E. However, if traffic is relatively light, taking I-94 E would be the most efficient route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Calumet City, Illinois, and Merrillville, Indiana, will vary based on the route you take, gas prices, and traffic patterns. I-94 E and US-6 E are the most cost-efficient routes, with a round-trip cost of approximately $4.00 to $4.25 in gas for a 25-mile-per-gallon vehicle. Taking a more scenic route can add time and distance to your trip and result in a higher gas cost. Ultimately, choosing the most efficient route will ensure you get to your destination quickly and save money on gas.