How Much Does It Cost to Travel from Carbondale, Illinois to Owensboro, Kentucky?

Traveling between Carbondale, Illinois, and Owensboro, Kentucky, is a journey that many people often make. Whether it's for business or personal purposes, knowing the cost of the trip is essential. The distance between these two cities is approximately 180 miles, and the cost of traveling can vary depending on the choice of transport, time of travel, and other factors. In this article, we will explore the different routes, modes of transportation, and the estimated cost involved in traveling between Carbondale, Illinois, and Owensboro, Kentucky.

Different Routes Between Carbondale, Illinois, and Owensboro, Kentucky

There are different routes that one can take to travel between the two cities, but the most common ones are:

Route 1: I-64 W

This route will take you approximately three hours to cover the 173 miles between the two cities. You'll start by taking Route 51 South in Carbondale, then take the Interstate 57 North. From there, you'll merge onto I-64 West towards St. Louis, and then onto US-41 N towards Evansville. Finally, you'll take the US-60 W to Owensboro.

Route 2: KY-81 S

This route is longer than the first one, covering approximately 222 miles, but you'll enjoy breathtaking views along the way. To start, you'll take IL-13 E from Carbondale, then merge onto I-24 W towards Nashville, and onto KY-91 S. Finally, you'll take KY-56 W and US-60 E until you get to Owensboro.

Route 3: Route 51 S

This route is the shortest of all, covering approximately 160 miles and taking approximately 3 hours. You'll start the journey by taking Route 51 South from Carbondale until you get to Upton. From there, you'll take the US-60 W to Owensboro.

Modes of Transportation

The mode of transportation you choose will also affect the cost of your trip. Here are the different options available:

Driving

Driving is the most common mode of transport for those traveling between Carbondale, Illinois, and Owensboro, Kentucky. Depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the distance you'll cover, the cost of gas will vary. Assuming an average gas mileage of 25mpg, you'll use approximately 7.2 gallons of gas on route 1, 9 gallons on route 2, and 6.4 gallons on route 3. If gas costs $2.20 per gallon, you'll spend approximately $15.84, $19.80, and $14.08 on gas for each route, respectively.

Bus

Taking the bus is a more affordable option for those looking to save money. Greyhound offers a bus service between Carbondale and Owensboro, with ticket prices starting from $35. Depending on the time of travel, you may need to pay more. A round-trip bus ticket costs about $70.

Train

There is no direct train service between Carbondale and Owensboro. However, you can take Amtrak from Carbondale to Evansville for approximately $38. From there, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to Owensboro, which could increase the total cost of your trip.

Recommendation

After considering the different routes and modes of transport, it is our recommendation that you travel by driving. If you're on a budget, route 3 is the most affordable option, costing approximately $14.08 for gas. However, if you're looking to enjoy scenic views and don't mind spending more, route 2 is the best choice. Route 1 is the fastest option, taking approximately three hours to travel between Carbondale and Owensboro.

Conclusion

Traveling from Carbondale, Illinois, to Owensboro, Kentucky, can be a memorable trip with breathtaking views and memories to last a lifetime. With the different routes and modes of transportation available, you'll need to choose the best fit for your budget and preferences. However, based on our recommendation, we suggest that you drive, as it provides more flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views. Safe travels!