The Cost of a Trip between Carol Stream, Illinois and Plainfield, Indiana
Planning a road trip often involves a lot of research, calculations, and decisions. One of the most crucial aspects of a road trip is determining the cost of the journey. With gas prices fluctuating, it is essential to know how much you'll spend on fuel to reach your destination. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the cost of traveling between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Plainfield, Indiana.
Possible Routes
Before we dive into the cost of the trip, let's first look at the possible routes you can take to reach Plainfield, Indiana, from Carol Stream, Illinois.
Route 1: Via I-55 S
The most straightforward and direct route is to take I-55 S. This route is approximately 159 miles and would take around 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Plainfield, Indiana, from Carol Stream, Illinois.
Route 2: Via I-294 S and I-80 W
Another possible route is to take I-294 S and I-80 W. This route is longer than the previous one but might be necessary in case you want to avoid traffic and tolls. The distance between the two cities would be 171 miles, and the estimated travel time would be 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Route 3: Via US-30 W
A more scenic option would be to take US-30 W. This route is highly recommended for nature lovers as it passes through several towns and rural landscapes. The distance between the two cities would be around 183 miles, and the estimated travel time would be around 3 hours.
Now that we've looked at the possible routes let’s delve into the cost of each route.
Cost of the Trip
To calculate the cost of the trip, we need to consider the distance, the fuel efficiency of your car, and the current gas prices.
Assuming that your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and that the current gas prices in Illinois are approximately $2.87 per gallon, the following table shows the estimated cost of each route:
| Route | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Travel Time | Fuel Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via I-55 S | 159 | 2 hours 40 minutes | $28.68 |
| Via I-294 S and I-80 W | 171 | 2 hours 50 minutes | $30.78 |
| Via US-30 W | 183 | 3 hours | $33.01 |
It is crucial to note that the fuel cost is only an estimate and is subject to change based on the current gas prices and the fuel efficiency of your car.
Which Route is Best for You?
The choice of which route to take between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Plainfield, Indiana, remains entirely up to you. The most suitable route for you will depend on your preferences, the urgency of the trip, and your budget.
If you want the most straightforward and shortest route, then taking I-55 S is your best bet. However, if you don't mind traveling a little further and want to avoid traffic and tolls, then taking I-294 S and I-80 W would be a more suitable route.
Suppose you are a nature lover and don't mind taking a more extended route. In that case, then taking US-30 W would be the best option as it would allow you to enjoy the scenic view of the towns and rural landscapes between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Plainfield, Indiana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Carol Stream, Illinois, and Plainfield, Indiana, will vary depending on the route you take, the fuel efficiency of your car, and the current gas prices. After looking at the possible routes and estimated fuel costs, the most affordable route for a round trip would be I-55 S with an estimated fuel cost of $57.36. However, the cost will vary depending on your car's fuel efficiency and the current gas prices.
Whatever route you decide to take, we recommend thoroughly researching it beforehand to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe trip. Happy travels!