The Cost of a Trip between Charleston, Illinois and Bloomington, Indiana: Navigating Gas Prices in 2021

Traveling between Charleston, Illinois and Bloomington, Indiana might not be the most common of routes, but it’s not entirely uncommon either. With both established as college towns, it’s possible that you might need to visit one or the other for study or work reasons. But what does it cost to make the journey? Here, we’ll look at the various travel routes that can be taken and how much they’ll typically cost in today’s gas prices.

Route Option 1: I-57 North to I-74 East

The first option for a route between these two towns is a fairly simple one. If you’re based in Charleston, the quickest means to get to Bloomington is often to head up I-57. You can take this road all the way up to Champaign, where you’ll meet I-74. From there, it’s just a case of heading East along I-74 until you hit Bloomington.

This is the most direct route between the two towns, but it’s not necessarily the most convenient. Firstly, the trip is a relatively long one. You’ll be traveling around 125 miles, which can take over two hours to get through if there’s traffic. If you’re looking to make the journey quickly, this isn’t the best route for you.

Secondly, there’s the cost involved. To travel these 125 miles, you’ll need to fill up your tank at least once, and that can be pricey. The current average gas price in Illinois is around $3.35 per gallon, while the rate in Indiana is slightly cheaper at $3.05 per gallon. With many cars in the US requiring around 15 gallons of gas for a full tank, you’re looking at paying around $50 for a round trip.

Route Option 2: Route 45 North to Route 51 North

If you’re not keen on the traffic that can build up on I-57 or you’re looking for a more scenic route, then you might want to consider taking Route 45 North up to Route 51 North. Although this route isn’t as direct, taking it will allow you to pass through some of the smaller towns in Illinois and enjoy more of the state’s countryside.

When you take this route, you’ll be traveling around 140 miles, so it’s not quite as long as the I-57 option. However, because you’re taking smaller roads that travel through small towns, you can expect to take 3 hours or more to complete the journey. This isn’t ideal if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not on a tight schedule, then you’ll likely appreciate the change of pace from the freeway.

In terms of cost, this is also likely to be cheaper, all things considered. Because you’re not traveling at high speeds as you would on a freeway, your car will use up less fuel. You’ll still need to fill your gas tank at least once during the journey, but you’re looking at paying somewhere around $50 or less for the round trip.

Route Option 3: I-70 East to Route 9 North

Finally, if you don’t mind traveling a little further out of your way or if you’re heading to Bloomington from the East, you can take I-70 East before turning North onto Route 9. This can be beneficial if you’re based in Terre Haute, Indianapolis or another town in Indiana.

This is the longest route between the two towns, clocking in at around 205 miles. However, because you’re mostly traveling along freeways, you can expect to cover the distance in under four hours. This could be a bonus if you’re tight on time, but it’s worth remembering that you’ll need to factor in any potential hold-ups due to traffic or roadworks.

The cost of this journey will depend on where you’re starting and how much fuel your car requires. However, as a rough guide, you can expect to spend at least $60 on gas for this round trip.

The Best Route To Take

If you’re in a hurry and aren’t too concerned with spending a little more on gas, then the I-57 and I-74 route is probably your best bet. That said, if you have a little extra time and you’re looking for a cheaper journey with a more scenic route, then the Route 45 and Route 51 North roads may be better suited to your needs. Finally, if you’re starting from elsewhere in Indiana or you’re looking for a slightly quicker route with fewer roadworks, then the I-70 and Route 9 North route might be your best option.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on traveling between Charleston and Bloomington, it’s essential to be aware of the different route options available to you and their associated costs. The three routes mentioned above should give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of distance, time, and expenditure.

Ultimately, the route that you choose to take will depend on your priorities. Whether you’re in a hurry or have more time to spare, there’s a route out there that will suit your needs. But whichever one you choose, be sure to keep gas prices in mind. Traveling can be expensive, especially when gas prices are high, so it’s always worth factoring these into your budget before setting out on your journey.