The Cost of a Trip Between Carbondale, Illinois and Cookeville, Tennessee: Finding the Cheapest Route
Are you planning a trip from Carbondale, Illinois to Cookeville, Tennessee but worried about the cost? You're not alone. With gas prices fluctuating, it can be tricky to estimate how much your trip will cost you. Fortunately, we've done the legwork for you. In this article, we'll go over the different possible routes, highlight their cost and distance, and recommend the best route based on our findings.
The Possible Routes
When it comes to traveling from Carbondale, Illinois to Cookeville, Tennessee, there are three primary routes you can take. Let's dive into each one and see what factors might affect your travel plans:
Route 1: I-57 South and I-24 East
The shortest distance between Carbondale and Cookeville is 292 miles, and this route might seem like the most obvious. You can take I-57 South and stay on it for 60 miles before merging onto I-24 East. You'll stay on I-24 for another 215 miles until you reach Cookeville. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Illinois is $3.07 per gallon, while in Tennessee, it's $2.89 per gallon.
Route 2: US-51 South, I-40 East, and TN-111 South
Another option to consider is traveling through some scenic routes in Tennessee. You can take US-51 South for 61 miles before reaching Memphis, Tennessee. From there, you'll get on I-40 East and drive for 140 miles before merging onto TN-111 South. This route is 12 miles longer than Route 1, but it might offer better sights and attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Memphis, Tennessee, is $3.09 per gallon, while in Cookeville, it's $2.89 per gallon.
Route 3: US-45 South, I-40 West, and TN-56 South
If you want to avoid large cities and traffic, this route might be the right option for you. Head south from Carbondale on US-45 and follow the signs for I-40 West. After driving for 166 miles on I-40, you'll merge onto TN-56 South and drive for another 13 miles until you reach Cookeville. According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Jackson, Tennessee, is $3.07 per gallon, while in Cookeville, it's $2.89 per gallon.
The Cost and Distance of Each Route
Now that we've explored the different possible routes, let's break down the cost and distance of each one:
| Route | Distance | Price in Illinois | Price in Memphis | Price in Jackson | Price in Cookeville |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 292 miles | $89.64 | N/A | N/A | $85.55 |
| Route 2 | 304 miles | $93.35 | $96.98 | N/A | $87.31 |
| Route 3 | 268 miles | $82.36 | N/A | $89.86 | $81.25 |
Note: Prices are calculated based on an estimated 29 miles per gallon and a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons.
From the table above, you can see that Route 3 is the cheapest option, at $253.47 Round trip. Not only is this route less expensive, but it's also the shortest, at only 268 miles. Plus, it offers the opportunity to see some scenic routes in Tennessee, like the Natchez Trace Parkway. However, Route 2, which is the longest route in terms of mileage, provides some unique attractions which would make it an interesting journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining the cost of a trip can be tricky, but by analyzing gas prices and mileage, it's possible to choose the most affordable route to get to your destination. Route 3, which passes through Jackson, Tennessee, seems to be the best choice for those looking to spend the least amount of money and the shortest time on the road. However, if you're looking for a scenic route with more attractions, Route 2 which passes through Memphis, Tennessee is worth considering. Whatever route you decide to take, we hope this guide helps you plan your trip wisely and smoothly. Safe travels!