The Cost of a Trip between Carpentersville, Illinois and Waukegan, Illinois Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling between towns can be both exciting and stressful. However, one aspect that should not worry a traveler is the cost of a trip. In this article, we will explore the cost implications of a trip between Carpentersville, Illinois, and Waukegan, Illinois, based on current gas prices. We will highlight the different routes one can take, their cost, and distance, and provide a recommendation on the best route to take.

The Different Possible Routes

There are three main routes that one can take from Carpentersville to Waukegan, Illinois. These are:

Route 1: via I-94 E

The first option is to use I-94 E, the usual route recommended by Google Maps. This route passes through Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. It is the shortest route, covering a distance of 26 miles, and takes 30 minutes without traffic.

Route 2: via US-12 W/W Rand Road

The second option is using US-12 W/W Rand Road. This route goes through Barrington, Lake Zurich, and Wauconda. It is longer than Route 1, covering a distance of 32 miles, but takes the same travel time.

Route 3: via IL-176 W

The third option is to take IL-176 W. This route passes through Crystal Lake, Prairie Grove, and Island Lake. It covers a distance of 27 miles and takes 35 minutes without traffic.

Highlighting the Cost and Distance of Each Route

The cost of a trip between Carpentersville and Waukegan, like any other journey, depends on several factors, including fuel efficiency, mileage, traffic, and gas prices. In this article, we will solely focus on gas prices.

To calculate the cost of each route based on current gas prices, we will assume the average fuel efficiency of a car to be 25 miles per gallon (MPG), and gas prices to be the Illinois average of $2.22 per gallon, as of May 2021.

The Cost and Distance of Route 1

According to Google Maps, Route 1, via I-94 E, covers a distance of 26 miles. With a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, it will require 1.04 gallons of gas for a one-way trip from Carpentersville to Waukegan. With gas prices at $2.22 per gallon, the total cost of gas required for the trip will be $2.30 for a one-way trip. If you plan to make a round trip, you will need to double the above cost, which will be $4.60.

The Cost and Distance of Route 2

Route 2, via US-12 W/W Rand Road, covers a distance of 32 miles. With a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, it will require 1.28 gallons of gas for a one-way trip from Carpentersville to Waukegan. With gas prices at $2.22 per gallon, the total cost of gas required for the trip will be $2.83 for a one-way trip. If you plan to make a round trip, you will need to double the above cost, which will be $5.66.

The Cost and Distance of Route 3

According to Google Maps, Route 3, via IL-176 W, requires a distance of 27 miles. With a fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, it will require 1.08 gallons of gas for a one-way trip from Carpentersville to Waukegan. With gas prices at $2.22 per gallon, the total cost of gas required for the trip will be $2.40 for a one-way trip. If you plan to make a round trip, you will need to double the above cost, which will be $4.80.

Recommendation on the Best Route to Take

Based on the cost and distance analysis above, it is evident that Route 1 is the cheapest option, costing $2.30 for a one-way trip, while Route 2 is the most expensive option, costing $2.83 for a one-way trip. Route 3 is in between, costing $2.40 for a one-way trip. Although Route 1 is the cheapest option, it is important to note that it is the shortest and may experience heavy traffic during rush hour. Therefore, we recommend taking Route 3, which only costs slightly more than Route 1, but is more scenic and less prone to traffic congestion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Carpentersville, Illinois, and Waukegan, Illinois, based on current gas prices, varies depending on the route taken. The cheapest option is Route 1, while the most expensive one is Route 2. However, we recommend taking Route 3, which only costs slightly more than Route 1 but is more scenic and less prone to traffic congestion. The total cost of gas for a one-way trip on Route 3 is $2.40, making it an affordable option for anyone planning a trip between these towns. On average, the trip will take 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.