The Cost of a Trip between Champaign, Illinois and Longmont, Colorado: Driving through the Heartland
As the United States starts to open up after a pandemic-related slowdown, people are looking forward to taking vacations again. One of the most leisurely ways to travel is by driving, and as summer approaches, many families are starting to consider a road trip. However, as with everything, there is a cost associated with traveling. In this article, we will explore the cost of a road trip between two midsize American cities: Champaign, Illinois, and Longmont, Colorado.
Route Options
Champaign is located in central Illinois and is well-connected by highways. Longmont, on the other hand, is a small city in Colorado, located about 30 miles north of Denver. There are two main options when it comes to traveling between Champaign and Longmont:
Option 1: I-80 W and I-76 W route
This is one of the most direct and popular routes to travel from Champaign to Longmont. The route involves taking I-74 W to I-80 W and then continuing onto I-76 W. This route passes through two large cities, Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. The total distance is approximately 1,050 miles and would take around 16 hours to complete, depending on traffic.
Option 2: I-72 W and US-36 W route
The second route is slower but more scenic. It involves taking I-72 W from Champaign to Hannibal, Missouri, and then continuing on US-36 W all the way through Kansas and Nebraska. Finally, you will need to take State Highway 119 to Longmont, Colorado. The total distance on this route is approximately 1,220 miles and would take around 19 hours to complete, depending on traffic.
Cost Analysis
There are different expenses to consider when taking a road trip, such as fuel, food, accommodation, and entertainment. In this analysis, we will consider only the fuel expenses involved in both of the above routes. Other expenses will depend on personal choices, such as accommodations, eating out, and sightseeing, and will vary from person to person.
To calculate the fuel cost for each route, we will use the GasBuddy Trip Cost Calculator. We will assume that the vehicle we are using is a midsize sedan that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and that the fuel price per gallon is $2.84, which is the current average gas price in the United States.
Option 1: I-80 W and I-76 W route
The total distance for this route is approximately 1,050 miles. At an average of 25 miles per gallon, we would need 42 gallons of gas for the trip. At $2.84 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be $119.28.
Option 2: I-72 W and US-36 W route
The total distance for this route is approximately 1,220 miles. At an average of 25 miles per gallon, we would need 48.8 gallons of gas for the trip. At $2.84 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be $138.40.
Which Route is the Best?
The best route will depend on your priorities and preferences. If you want to save time and reach your destination quickly, the I-80 W and I-76 W route is the best bet. However, if you want to take in the scenic splendor of the heartland, the I-72 W and US-36 W route is the perfect choice. Additionally, this route passes through many small towns where you can stop and explore local shops, diners, and tourist attractions.
It is important to note that the I-72 W and US-36 W route is longer than the I-80 W and I-76 W route and will take approximately 3 hours longer to complete. However, the additional time is worth considering if you plan on making several stops or want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Conclusion
Taking a road trip between Champaign, Illinois, and Longmont, Colorado, can be a fun, and exciting experience. Depending on your priorities and preferences, you can either take the direct I-80 W and I-76 W route or the more scenic I-72 W and US-36 W route. The fuel cost for these routes ranges from $119.28 to $138.40, and the total trip time can vary from 16 hours to 19 hours, depending on the route you choose. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the road!