The Cost of a Road Trip from Centralia, Illinois to Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Traveling by car can be a great way to explore new places. However, it is important to plan the route properly, so you can save time and money. If you're planning a road trip from Centralia, Illinois, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, you'll need to consider the distance and the cost of the trip.
Possible Routes
There are three main possible routes for this road trip, taking into account different roads and highways. These are:
Route 1: Via I-57 S and I-55 S
- Total Distance: 125 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours
- Toll Fees: $9.00 (I-Pass holders) or $16.80 (cash payment)
This route is the shortest one and takes you through some of the main highways of Illinois and Missouri. It is ideal for those who are in a hurry or are looking for the most direct path. However, there are some toll roads along the way, so be sure to calculate the extra cost into your budget.
Route 2: Via US-51 S and MO-177 S
- Total Distance: 147 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Toll Fees: No tolls
This route will take you through some of the rural areas of southern Illinois and Missouri. It is a great option if you're looking for a more scenic way to get to Cape Girardeau and avoid tolls. However, it is slightly longer than the first route, so you may need to plan for extra driving time.
Route 3: Via I-64 E and I-55 S
- Total Distance: 189 miles
- Estimated Driving Time: 3 hours
- Toll Fees: $6.80 (I-Pass holders) or $10.20 (cash payment)
This route will take you through St. Louis, Missouri, and is the longest one of the three. However, if you're planning to visit St. Louis or want a break from driving, this route is worth considering. Keep in mind that there are some toll roads along the way.
Cost of the Trip
The total cost of the trip will depend on several factors, including the type of car you have, the current gas prices, and any toll fees. Here's an estimate of the cost of the trip based on the current gas prices:
Assumptions:
- Miles per Gallon (MPG): 25 MPG
- Gas Price: $2.70 per gallon
| Route | Distance | Estimated Gas Cost | Estimated Toll Fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 125 miles | $10.80 | $9.00 (I-Pass) / $16.80 (cash payment) | $19.80 / $27.60 |
| Route 2 | 147 miles | $12.78 | No tolls | $12.78 |
| Route 3 | 189 miles | $17.28 | $6.80 (I-Pass) / $10.20 (cash payment) | $24.08 / $27.48 |
As you can see, Route 3 is the most expensive one due to the longer distance and the toll roads. Route 2 is the cheapest one, as it has no toll fees, and the gas cost is only slightly higher than Route 1. However, keep in mind that Route 2 takes longer than Route 1, so you may need to consider whether saving money is worth the extra driving time.
Recommendations
Based on the information provided, we recommend choosing Route 1 as the best route for this trip. It is the shortest and fastest route, and although there are some toll fees, they are not too expensive. Additionally, Route 1 takes you through some of the main highways of Illinois and Missouri, which means you'll have easy access to gas stations, restaurants, and other amenities along the way.
Conclusion
In summary, traveling from Centralia, Illinois, to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, can be done by taking one of the three possible routes. Each route offers different advantages and disadvantages, including the distance, driving time, and toll fees. Based on the information provided, we recommend Route 1 as the best route due to its shorter distance, faster driving time, and reasonable toll fees. Whatever route you choose, make sure to plan ahead, so you can save time and money on gas and tolls. Happy travels!