The Cost of a Trip from Carol Stream, IL to Middlebury, IN Based on Current Gas Prices
If you're planning a trip between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Middlebury, Indiana, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is how much it will cost to get there. The cost will depend on a number of factors, including the route you take, the gas prices in your area, and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. In this article, we'll break down the different routes you can take and provide an estimate of the total trip cost based on current gas prices.
Route 1: I-90 W and I-80 W
The first route between Carol Stream and Middlebury is via I-90 W and I-80 W. This route is approximately 209 miles and takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes (depending on traffic). To estimate the total cost of the trip, we'll assume you're driving a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon and that gas prices are currently averaging $2.50 per gallon. With these factors in mind, here's a breakdown of the expected costs:
- Gas cost: $42.00 (209 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.50 per gallon)
- Toll cost: $9.60 (Illinois tolls - $6.20 / Indiana tolls - $3.40)
- Total cost: $51.60
Route 2: I-90 W and I-94 W
The second route is via I-90 W and I-94 W. This route is slightly longer than Route 1 at approximately 223 miles, but it takes slightly less time at around 3 hours and 15 minutes (again, depending on traffic). Here's an estimate of the total cost based on the same assumptions as above:
- Gas cost: $44.80 (223 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.50 per gallon)
- Toll cost: $10.80 (Illinois tolls - $6.20 / Indiana Toll Road - $4.60)
- Total cost: $55.60
Route 3: I-294 S and I-80 W
The third route is via I-294 S and I-80 W. This route is the longest of the three at approximately 255 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes (traffic-dependent). Here's an estimate of the total cost based on the same assumptions as above:
- Gas cost: $51.00 (255 miles / 25 miles per gallon * $2.50 per gallon)
- Toll cost: $13.00 (Illinois tolls - $9.50 / Indiana Toll Road - $3.50)
- Total cost: $64.00
Recommended Route
Based on these estimates, it's clear that Route 1 (I-90 W and I-80 W) is the most cost-effective route. While it may not be the shortest, it has the lowest total cost due to its shorter distance and lower toll costs. That being said, if traffic is heavy or if you prefer a different route for personal reasons, Routes 2 and 3 are still viable options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Middlebury, Indiana, can vary depending on the route you take and the price of gas at the time of your trip. Based on current gas prices and fuel efficiency, Route 1 (I-90 W and I-80 W) is the most cost-effective route, with an estimated total cost of $51.60. This route is approximately 209 miles long and takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes. However, depending on your personal preferences and traffic conditions, any of the three routes we've highlighted could be a good option for your trip.