The Cost of a Trip between Cedar Falls, Iowa and Barrington, Illinois in 2021

Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Barrington, Illinois? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost you to get there. The cost of a trip between two cities depends on various factors such as fuel prices, the distance of the journey, and the type of vehicle you're driving. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route to take.

Route Options

There are two primary routes you can take to get from Cedar Falls to Barrington, Illinois. The first is via I-80 E and I-88 E, and the second route is via US-20 E and I-90 E. Both routes have their own advantages and disadvantages concerning distance, travel time, and tolls.

Via I-80 E and I-88 E

To reach Barrington, Illinois, via I-80 E and I-88 E, you'll travel 381 miles in total. This route includes a toll road, and you'll need to take the I-80 E, which will cost you around $11.50 in toll fees. From Cedar Falls, you'll take I-80 E and continue onto I-88 E. Exit the expressway at Roselle Road (Exit 11) and turn left onto Roselle Road. Continue on this road and turn right onto West Irving Park Road. Turn left onto U.S. 12 W/U.S. 20 W and then right onto U.S. 12 W/N Rand Road.

Via US-20 E and I-90 E

The second route to get to Barrington from Cedar Falls, Iowa, is via US-20 E and I-90 E. This route covers 413 miles, and it is the longer of the two options. However, it does not have any tolls. To take this route, you'll go east on 18th Street in Cedar Falls, turn left onto University Avenue, and take a slight left onto US-20 E. Continue straight onto I-39 S/I-90 E, and then take Exit 58B onto IL-47 N. Turn right onto IL-72 E/W Higgins Road, then left onto N Barrington Road.

Cost Comparison

The cost of your trip depends on various factors such as the price of gasoline, tolls, your vehicle's gas mileage, and other expenses. In this section, we will compare the two routes based on the average gas mileage for a typical car and gas prices as of September 2021.

Assuming you drive a vehicle that gets an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon, expect to spend an estimated $55.32 on fuel for the trip via I-80 E and I-88 E. This calculation includes a 50/50 city and highway driving ratio at a gasoline price of $3.19, which means the actual price could be higher or lower.

The journey via US-20 E and I-90 E is more extended and requires more gas. You'll need to refill your tank as the journey is approximately 413 miles. Based on the same fuel economy, traveling via this route will cost you about $63.52. This calculation also includes the 50/50 city and highway driving ratio, using $3.19 gas price.

Keep in mind, however, that these figures are only for gasoline. Depending on your vehicle, other costs, such as regular maintenance, oil changes, and tire replacements, could factor into the overall trip expense.

Tolls

It's also worth mentioning that if you chose to take the I-80 E and I-88 E route, you'd encounter tolls. These two roads have tolls that would cost you around $11.50. Traveling via US-20 E and I-90 E, however, means you'll avoid all tolls.

Route Recommendation

Based on the distance and tolls, the US-20 E and I-90 E may be a better option if you're looking to save some money. The route is longer than via I-80 E and I-88 E, but you'll save money on fuel, and more importantly, you won't worry about tolls. There is a high chance that you might miss an exit or take a wrong turn, adding fuel costs and unnecessary stress to your journey. By taking advantage of GPS services or Google Maps, you'll be able to stay on the right course and arrive at your destination without too much hassle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a trip between Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Barrington, Illinois, is a long distance. Gas prices and tolls are just some of the costs you need to consider when planning your journey. Choose the route that best suits your needs based on the breakdown highlights in this article. The US-20 E and I-90 E route is a great option if you're trying to save money. It's longer, but you won't run into any toll gates, and you'll save more fuel money, which is a significant advantage. Expect a travel time of about 6 hours, but with proper planning and an efficient route, you'll get to Barrington, Illinois safely and comfortably.