Driving Cost from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Champaign, Illinois

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The Cost of a Trip between Cedar Falls, Iowa and Champaign, Illinois

When planning a road trip, one of the primary factors to consider is the cost of transportation. In this article, we'll explore the different options for getting from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Champaign, Illinois, and provide an estimate of the cost for each route based on current gas prices.

Route Options

There are a few different routes one could take when traveling between Cedar Falls and Champaign. The most direct route is to take I-380 South to I-80 East, then take I-74 South into Champaign. This route is approximately 265 miles and takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another option would be to take US-20 East to I-39 South, then take I-55 South to I-74 East and into Champaign. This route is approximately 305 miles and takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

A third option would be to take US-20 East to I-39 South, then take I-88 East to I-57 South and into Champaign. This route is approximately 310 miles and takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cost Estimates

To estimate the cost of each route, we'll assume an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. Keep in mind that the actual cost may vary depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, current gas prices, and any additional costs such as tolls.

Route 1: I-380 South to I-80 East to I-74 South

  • Distance: 265 miles
  • Fuel Cost: $53.00
  • Toll Cost: $10.75 for the Illinois Tollway
  • Total Estimated Cost: $63.75

Route 2: US-20 East to I-39 South to I-55 South to I-74 East

  • Distance: 305 miles
  • Fuel Cost: $61.00
  • Toll Cost: $10.60 for the Illinois Tollway
  • Total Estimated Cost: $71.60

Route 3: US-20 East to I-39 South to I-88 East to I-57 South

  • Distance: 310 miles
  • Fuel Cost: $62.00
  • Toll Cost: $9.70 for the Illinois Tollway
  • Total Estimated Cost: $71.70

As we can see, Route 1 is the most cost-effective option, followed by Route 3 and then Route 2.

While Route 1 is the most cost-effective option, it's important to also consider factors such as traffic and road conditions. During peak travel times or inclement weather, taking a longer route with less traffic may be a more efficient and safer option.

Therefore, we recommend Route 3 as the best option for traveling between Cedar Falls and Champaign. This route may be slightly more expensive than Route 1, but it's only a few cents more per gallon, and the Illinois Tollway costs are lower. Additionally, I-88 is a less congested highway than I-80, which can be notoriously busy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling between Cedar Falls, Iowa and Champaign, Illinois can be done on a budget by choosing the most cost-effective route. While Route 1 is the cheapest, we recommend taking Route 3 due to factors such as traffic and road conditions. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to factor in additional costs such as tolls, food, and lodging to ensure that your trip stays within your budget. Safe travels!