Roadtrip Cost Analysis: Champaign to Indianapolis

Are you planning a trip from Champaign, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana? One of the first things you need to consider is the cost of the trip. Unless you are taking public transportation or have your own electric car, you will likely need to spend some money on gas, tolls, and possibly lodging. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of different routes between Champaign and Indianapolis and recommend the best one.

Route Options

There are different ways to reach Indianapolis from Champaign, depending on your personal preferences and priorities. The most straightforward route is taking I-74 East all the way to I-465, which will lead you to downtown Indianapolis. This route is about 132 miles and takes roughly two hours and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can take I-57 South until it merges with I-70 East around Effingham. From I-70, you can take the Indiana State Road 46 exit towards Indianapolis. This route is slightly longer, at about 170 miles, but it also takes around two hours and forty-five minutes.

The third option is taking the scenic route through Bloomington, Indiana. You would take I-74 East until you see the I-57 South exit. After driving south for about 35 miles or so, you'll find the exit for Bloomington. From Bloomington, you would take SR-37 North until you reach I-465.

Gas Prices

One of the key factors that determine the cost of the trip is the price of gas. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Champaign, Illinois, is $3.05 per gallon. In Indianapolis, it’s slightly lower, at $2.95 per gallon. While the difference is not that significant, it can add up when you’re driving hundreds of miles round trip.

Assuming an average car fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your gas expense will be around $16 for the I-74 route, $20 for the I-57 route, and $25 for the Bloomington route, each way. Keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate and you may see different prices at different gas stations.

Tolls

Another expense to consider is the cost of tolls. The I-74 route has some tolls along the way, although they are not frequent or particularly expensive. The Illinois State Tollway website shows that the toll from Mahomet to LeRoy is $0.65 for passenger vehicles, and from LeRoy to Bloomington is $1.20. Additionally, there’s a toll of $6.10 to enter Indiana on I-74. This means you will spend around $8 on tolls for the one-way trip.

Similarly, the I-57 route has a few tolls in Illinois. According to the Illinois Tollway, you would pay $1.50 for a one-way trip from Champaign to Tuscola and another $0.80 from Tuscola to Arcola. The tolls on I-70 in Indiana are more frequent and slightly more expensive, ranging from $0.35 to $9.20, depending on the exact location. You could expect to pay around $20 in tolls for this entire route.

The Bloomington route has no tolls, but the extra distance means you’ll have to spend more on gas.

Lodging

Depending on your itinerary, you may need to spend the night in Indianapolis or its surroundings. The cost of lodging can vary considerably based on factors such as time of year, hotel amenities, and location. However, assuming an average nightly rate of $100, you could expect to spend $100-$200 on lodging for a one-night stay in Indianapolis.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a road trip from Champaign, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana, will depend on several factors. The I-74 route is the shortest and cheapest in terms of gas expenses and tolls, while the Bloomington route will give you the opportunity to enjoy some scenic views but will cost more in gas. Travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience may prefer the I-57 route, which avoids most tolls and offers convenient access to I-70. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget, time availability, and personal preferences. Regardless of your route, be sure to factor in gas, tolls, and lodging expenses when planning your trip.