The Cost of a Road Trip from Champaign, Illinois to Kansas, Illinois: Finding the Best Route Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a daunting task, especially if you're traveling on a tight budget. If you're planning a trip from Champaign, Illinois to Kansas, Illinois and you're wondering how much it would cost, this article is for you. We'll explore the different possible routes you can take, highlight the costs and distances of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices. So buckle up, and let's hit the road!
Route 1: I-57 S and I-70 W
The first route we'll explore is the most direct one, which is taking I-57 S and I-70 W. According to Google Maps, this route is about 157 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll need to know the current gas prices in both cities. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Champaign, Illinois, is $3.35 per gallon, and in Kansas, Illinois, it's $3.29 per gallon. Let's assume that your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, and you'll need to fill up your tank twice to complete the trip.
The total cost of gas for this route would be:
- Champaign to Kansas: 157 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.35 per gallon = $21.23
- Kansas to Champaign: 157 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.29 per gallon = $21.01
- Total gas cost: $42.24
Route 2: IL-49 S and I-70 W
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take IL-49 S and I-70 W instead. This route is about 174 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll use the same gas prices and assumptions as in Route 1.
The total cost of gas for this route would be:
- Champaign to Kansas: 174 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.35 per gallon = $23.57
- Kansas to Champaign: 174 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.29 per gallon = $23.34
- Total gas cost: $46.91
Route 3: I-57 S and IL-16 W
Another possible route is taking I-57 S and IL-16 W. This route is about 179 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll use the same gas prices and assumptions as in Route 1.
The total cost of gas for this route would be:
- Champaign to Kansas: 179 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.35 per gallon = $24.15
- Kansas to Champaign: 179 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.29 per gallon = $23.92
- Total gas cost: $48.07
Route 4: US-150 W and I-57 S
If you're looking for a shorter route, you can take US-150 W and I-57 S. This route is about 137 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
To calculate the cost of this trip, we'll use the same gas prices and assumptions as in Route 1.
The total cost of gas for this route would be:
- Champaign to Kansas: 137 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.35 per gallon = $18.37
- Kansas to Champaign: 137 miles / 25 miles per gallon x $3.29 per gallon = $18.15
- Total gas cost: $36.52
Recommendation: Route 4
Based on the current gas prices and the distances of each route, Route 4, which is taking US-150 W and I-57 S, is the most cost-effective option. Not only is it the shortest route, but it also has the lowest gas cost, which saves you about $5 compared to the other routes.
As with any road trip, it's always a good idea to add extra money in your budget to cover unexpected expenses, such as tolls, food, or lodging if you plan to stay overnight.
Conclusion
In summary, if you want to drive from Champaign, Illinois to Kansas, Illinois based on current gas prices, taking Route 4, which is US-150 W and I-57 S, is the most cost-effective option. It's a relatively short drive that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the total gas cost is about $36.52. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy your trip!