The Cost of a Road Trip from Chapel Hill to Eldorado: Navigating the Current Gas Prices

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, calculating the cost of a road trip is an essential aspect of proper planning. One of the critical aspects is the petrol expenses, which seem to fluctuate continually. Currently, gas prices are relatively lower than the past few years but still vary significantly from one state to another. In this article, we will explore the various routes from Chapel Hill, Tennessee, to Eldorado, Illinois, and assess the petrol costs involved, ultimately recommending the most cost-effective and efficient option.

Route One: The Fast and Furious

The first route that we will consider is via the fast and furious I-40 West. This is the most popular option, mainly because of its high-speed limit and direct path. However, while this route is the quickest, it is certainly not the most cost-effective. It spans 276 miles across three states - Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri.

At the moment, Tennessee's petrol prices are relatively lower than the national average, ranging between $2.12 and $2.40 per gallon. However, Arkansas' average gas prices rank close to the national average, ranging from $2.14 to $2.34 per gallon, while Missouri's average prices fall just below the national average, ranging between $2.05 and $2.32 per gallon.

Assuming a petrol efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an average petrol price of $2.15 per gallon, the costs per state would be approximately $22.18 in Tennessee, $31.47 in Arkansas, and $30.19 in Missouri, totaling approximately $83.84. Factor in the cost of toll fees and other incidentals, and the total cost may amount to as high as $100. However, this route is still an excellent option if fast and furious is your preferred modus operandi.

Route Two: The Scenic

If you do not mind a slightly longer journey, then the scenic route via I-24 W and I-57 N presents a unique opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty. This route spans 312 miles across two states - Tennessee and Illinois, with Indiana making a brief appearance.

Petrol prices in Tennessee (referenced above) remain relatively lower than the national average of $2.22 per gallon. Similarly, in the state of Illinois, the average petrol price ranges between $2.22 and $2.54 per gallon, slightly above the national average. For the same petrol efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the costs per state would be approximately $22.18 in Tennessee and $33.12 in Illinois, totaling approximately $75.42. Additional costs, such as the toll fee, may range between $20 and $30.

While this route may take slightly longer, the cost-saving and scenic views make for a worthwhile trade-off.

Route Three: The Avoiding Traffic

Finally, if you prefer to avoid highway traffic, then the most cost-effective route is via the smaller interstates 840 W and 65 N. This route spans approximately 340 miles across four states - Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

With Tennessee's petrol prices already established, Kentucky's average petrol prices rank below the national average, ranging between $2.04 and $2.23 per gallon. Similarly, petrol prices in Indiana range between $2.05 and $2.31 per gallon, also below the national average. In the final state, Illinois, the costs have already been established.

For the same petrol efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and an average petrol price of $2.25 per gallon, the costs per state would be approximately $22.50 in Tennessee, $30.60 in Kentucky, $29.70 in Indiana, and $33.12 in Illinois, totaling approximately $115.92. Despite being the longest route and having the highest petrol costs, this route is still the most cost-effective overall, because of its avoidance of high-traffic areas.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the choice of route depends on several factors, such as urgency, budget, preferred scenery, or level of traffic. Of the three routes analyzed, the scenic route, via I-24 W and I-57 N, proved to be the most cost-effective, with a total estimated cost of approximately $75, and it offers an opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty as a bonus. The fast and furious route, via I-40 West, may be the quickest, but its cumulative petrol costs reach slightly above $100. The third route is best if you want to save on petrol costs, as the cumulative costs are approximately $115, and you prefer to avoid high-traffic areas.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you, but always remember to calculate the petrol costs and other incidental expenses involved to arrive at an exact total cost, particularly in light of fluctuating petrol prices. Bon voyage!