Driving Cost from Champaign, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan

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How Much Does it Cost to Travel Between Champaign, Illinois and Detroit, Michigan?

Are you planning a trip from Champaign, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan? Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's important to be aware of the cost of your trip. The cost of a trip between the two cities will depend on several factors, including the travel route you choose and the mode of transportation you use.

Possible Travel Routes

There are several different routes that you can take when traveling between Champaign and Detroit. Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, distance, and travel time.

Route 1: I-57 N and I-94 E (469 miles)

The first and most common route is to take I-57 N and I-94 E. This route is the most direct and the fastest, but it's also the most expensive. You'll travel approximately 469 miles and it should take you about 7 hours and 30 minutes to drive one way.

The cost of gas for this route will depend on the miles per gallon (MPG) of your vehicle and the current gas prices. If your car gets an average of 25 MPG and gas prices are $2.50 per gallon, you'll need around $94 for a one-way trip. You should also factor in the cost of toll roads, which can add up quickly along this route.

Route 2: I-55 N and I-94 E (519 miles)

If you're looking to save some money, you might consider taking I-55 N and I-94 E instead. While this route is longer, it's also more scenic, and it can be a good option if you're more interested in enjoying the journey than reaching your destination quickly. You'll travel approximately 519 miles and it should take you about 8 hours and 30 minutes to drive one way.

The cost of gas for this route will depend on the MPG of your vehicle and the current gas prices. If your car gets an average of 25 MPG and gas prices are $2.50 per gallon, you'll need around $105 for a one-way trip. However, this route has fewer toll roads than Route 1, so you'll save money on tolls.

Route 3: I-72 W and I-55 N and I-94 E (589 miles)

Another option is to take I-72 W and I-55 N and I-94 E. This route is the longest and will take the most time, but it also has the potential to be the cheapest. You'll travel approximately 589 miles and it should take you about 9 hours and 30 minutes to drive one way.

The cost of gas for this route will depend on the MPG of your vehicle and the current gas prices. If your car gets an average of 25 MPG and gas prices are $2.50 per gallon, you'll need around $117 for a one-way trip. This route doesn't have many toll roads, so you'll save money on tolls.

If you're looking for the best balance of cost and travel time, we recommend taking Route 2: I-55 N and I-94 E. This route is reasonably direct and still offers some scenic views, and you'll save money on tolls compared to Route 1. However, you'll still want to factor in the price of gas and tolls when planning your trip.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated total cost of driving from Champaign to Detroit one way via Route 2, based on a car that gets 25 MPG and gas prices of $2.50 per gallon:

  • Gas cost: $105
  • Tolls: approximately $17

This makes the total cost of the trip approximately $122. Remember, these prices may vary based on your vehicle's MPG and the current gas and toll prices.

Other Transportation Options

If you don't want to drive, there are other transportation options available for traveling between Champaign and Detroit. However, these may or may not be more cost-effective depending on your specific circumstances.

Bus

Taking a bus is generally the cheapest option, and there are several bus companies that operate between Champaign and Detroit. The cost of a one-way bus ticket typically ranges from $40 to $60, depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.

However, taking a bus will also be the slowest option, with travel times ranging from 11 to 14 hours.

Train

Another option is to take a train from Champaign to Detroit. However, this will be a more expensive option, with one-way train tickets costing between $75 and $120. The travel time is around 7.5 hours one way.

Conclusion

Traveling between Champaign and Detroit can be done in a variety of ways, each with its own cost, distance, and travel time. The best route for you will depend on your specific circumstances, such as how much you're willing to spend and how quickly you need to reach your destination.

If you're looking for a relatively quick and affordable route, we recommend taking Route 2: I-55 N and I-94 E. This route offers a good balance of cost and travel distance and time. Whatever route you choose, make sure to factor in the cost of gas and any tolls or fees along the way, so you don't end up with any unexpected expenses.