Driving Cost from Champaign, Illinois to Hamilton, Ontario

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Champaign, Illinois and Hamilton, Ontario based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Champaign, Illinois to Hamilton, Ontario can be an exciting journey, especially if you're traveling with family or friends. You can expect to enjoy stunning landscapes, beautiful cities, and great sights along the way. However, before embarking on the trip, it's essential to plan in advance, mainly if you're working with a given budget. In this article, we'll explore various aspects of the cost of traveling between these two cities, including possible routes, distance, and costs. We'll also highlight the best route, and at the end, provide a conclusion outlining the entire journey's length.

Possible Routes

Depending on your preferences and the available budget, you can choose one of several possible routes when traveling between Champaign and Hamilton. The most common routes include the following:

1. via I-75 North

From Champaign, take I-74 East to I-75 North, and then continue on this route to Hamilton. The distance between Champaign and Hamilton is about 590 miles, and the estimated time of arrival is around 9 hours.

2. via I-80 East and I-90 E(NY)

Another route is to take I-80 East, then connect to I-90E(NY), and then exit onto 403 E towards Hamilton. This route is about 770 miles long and takes approximately 12 hours to drive.

3. via I-57 N and I-69 E

This is another possible route. From Champaign, take I-57 North, pass through Indianapolis, and connect to I-69 East. Then take 403 E towards Hamilton. This particular route is approximately 760 miles long and takes about 12 hours to drive.

4. via US-30 E

The 4th route is shorter but slower than the previous ones. You start from Champaign and follow I-74 West until you reach US-30 E. You continue on US-30 E until you reach 403 E towards Hamilton. This particular route is approximately 530 miles long and takes about 11 hours to drive.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of the trip can vary depending on various factors such as fuel consumption, car insurance, tolls, park charges, meals, and accommodation. We assume that the trip happens under normal driving conditions and not during a holiday period where prices may go up. For this article, fuel consumption is the primary cost driver, and we will use the current gas prices as a reference. The average price of gas per gallon in Champaign, Illinois, as of September 2021 is $3.10. In Hamilton, Ontario, the average price of gas per liter is $1.36.

1. via I-75 North

If you take this route and you're driving a 25 MPG car that takes about 24 gallons to make it to Hamilton, you can expect to spend approximately $74.7 on gas. You will also need to pay tolls and park fees in some places, adding another $40 to your expenses. With estimated meals and accommodation along the way of about $150, the total cost for this route can go up to around $265.

2. via I-80 East and I-90 E(NY)

This route is about 770 miles long, and if you're driving a 25 MPG car that takes about 31 gallons to make it to Hamilton, you can expect to spend approximately $96.1 on gas. If we add tolls and park fees in some areas of $50, and meals and accommodation of about $150, the total cost for this route can go up to around $300.

3. via I-57 N and I-69 E

If you want to take this route, you will need to drive approximately 760 miles. A 25 MPG car that takes about 30 gallons to make it to Hamilton will cost around $93. Currently, there's no toll road on this route, so you will only have to pay for park fees, which should be around $20. You should budget about $150 for meals and accommodation along the way. When everything is accounted for, the total cost for this route should be around $263.

4. via US-30 E

The shortest of these routes is approximately 530 miles long; if you're driving a 25 MPG car that takes about 21 gallons to make it to Hamilton, you can expect to spend around $65.1 on gas. Tolls and park fees should not exceed $30, and meals and accommodation should be about $150. The total cost, therefore, should be in the region of $245.

Best Route Recommendation

Based on the above analysis, the most cost-effective route is via US-30 E. With a lower cost of gas compared to other routes, this route should not strain your budget too much. You will also need to pay less for park fees and tolls and need less time to arrive at your destination. However, you should note that this route is slower than the others.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip between Champaign, Illinois, and Hamilton, Ontario can be a memorable experience. However, it's essential to plan everything in advance and consider the cost of gas and other expenses along the way. As outlined above, you can choose one of several possible routes, each with its characteristics and potential expenses. For the most budget-conscious traveler, opting to use US-30 E route should save you some money, reduce the amount of time on the road, and still enjoy an exciting road trip experience. Travel Safe!