The Cost of a Trip Between Champaign, IL and Rochester, NY

If you're planning a road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Rochester, New York, you're probably wondering how much it's going to cost. The price of gas can vary from state to state and sometimes even from city to city, so it's important to take into account all of the expenses that come with a long drive. In this article, we will break down the cost of the trip based on current gas prices, highlight the different possible routes, and recommend the best route.

Gas Prices

Before we dive into the different routes, let's take a look at the current gas prices in both Champaign, Illinois and Rochester, New York. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Champaign, IL is $3.19 per gallon, while in Rochester, NY, it's slightly higher at $3.21 per gallon. Keep in mind that gas prices can change frequently, so it's important to check the prices again closer to your trip.

Route Options

There are a few different possible routes you could take from Champaign, IL to Rochester, NY. The best route for you will depend on various factors, including the distance, gas prices, and your personal preferences.

Route 1: The Straight Shot

The most straightforward route from Champaign, IL to Rochester, NY is to take I-74 E and I-80 E until you reach I-86 E. This route will take you through Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. The total distance is approximately 700 miles, and you can expect to spend about 11 hours driving, depending on traffic.

Route 2: The Northern Route

If you prefer to take a more scenic route, you could consider taking I-55 N to I-80 E until you reach I-90 E. This route will take you through Wisconsin, Minnesota, and then on to New York. This route is about 70 miles longer than the straight shot, but you will be able to see more of the northern United States. The total distance is approximately 770 miles, and you can expect to spend about 12 hours driving, depending on traffic.

Route 3: The Southern Route

Finally, you could take I-70 E to I-64 E until you reach I-79 N. This route will take you through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania before you reach New York. This route is the longest of the three, at around 880 miles, but it will take you through some beautiful countryside. You can expect to spend about 14 hours driving, depending on traffic.

Cost Breakdown

To calculate the cost of the trip, we'll assume that you will be driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon. We'll also assume that you will need to fill up your gas tank three times during the trip.

Using the current average gas prices in Champaign, Illinois and Rochester, New York, here's an estimate of how much you can expect to spend on gas for each route:

Route 1: The Straight Shot

If you take the straight shot route, you will need to drive approximately 700 miles. With an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to purchase 28 gallons of gas for the trip. At $3.19 per gallon, this means you will spend approximately $89.32 on gas.

Route 2: The Northern Route

If you take the northern route, you will need to drive approximately 770 miles. With an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to purchase 31 gallons of gas for the trip. At $3.19 per gallon, this means you will spend approximately $98.89 on gas.

Route 3: The Southern Route

If you take the southern route, you will need to drive approximately 880 miles. With an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need to purchase 35 gallons of gas for the trip. At $3.19 per gallon, this means you will spend approximately $111.65 on gas.

Recommendation

Based on the total cost and the distance of each route, we recommend taking route 1, the straight shot route. It's the shortest and quickest route, and you'll save a significant amount of money on gas compared to the other routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a road trip from Champaign, IL to Rochester, NY, you can expect to spend around $89.32 on gas if you take the straight shot route. This route is approximately 700 miles long and should take you around 11 hours to complete, depending on traffic. Don't forget to check gas prices closer to your trip, and make sure you're prepared for any unexpected expenses that may pop up along the way. Safe travels!