Driving Cost from Charleston, Illinois to Corpus Christi, Texas

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The Cost of a Trip from Charleston, Illinois to Corpus Christi, Texas

Traveling by car can be an exciting and fun way to explore the country. However, before embarking on any road trip, it is essential to calculate the cost of the trip, including fuel, lodging, food, and other expenses. In this article, we will discuss the cost of a trip from Charleston, Illinois, to Corpus Christi, Texas, including possible routes, distance, and how to save money while on the road.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes to take when traveling from Charleston, Illinois, to Corpus Christi, Texas. The following are some of the most common options:

Route 1: Via I-55 S, I-35 S, and I-37 S

This route is the most direct, covering a distance of approximately 1,143 miles and taking around 17 hours and 40 minutes of driving time. It involves taking I-55 S from Charleston, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, before merging onto I-44 W. From there, travelers will turn onto I-35 S in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and then onto I-37 S near San Antonio, Texas, which leads straight to Corpus Christi.

Route 2: Via I-57 S, I-55 S, I-10 W, and I-35 S

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, covering a distance of approximately 1,305 miles and taking around 19 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. It involves taking I-57 S from Charleston, Illinois, to Memphis, Tennessee, before merging onto I-40 W. Travelers will then turn onto I-30 W in Little Rock, Arkansas, before merging onto I-20 W in Dallas, Texas. From there, they will head south on I-35 S to reach Corpus Christi.

Route 3: Via I-70 W, I-35 S, and I-37 S

This route is the longest of the three, covering a distance of approximately 1,458 miles and taking around 22 hours and 10 minutes of driving time. It involves taking I-70 W from Charleston, Illinois, to Kansas City, Missouri, before merging onto I-35 S in Kansas. Travelers will then continue south on I-35 S, merging onto I-37 S near San Antonio, Texas, which leads straight to Corpus Christi.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of a road trip from Charleston, Illinois, to Corpus Christi, Texas, depends on various factors. The primary cost drivers are the price of fuel, the distance traveled, and the type of vehicle used. Other costs include lodging, food, and activities along the way.

Fuel Cost

According to AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois as of September 2021 is $3.22 per gallon. In Texas, it is $2.80 per gallon. Based on these prices and the three possible routes mentioned above, the estimated fuel cost for a round trip (rounding up to 2,300 miles) would be as follows:

  • Route 1: $170 (using 62.5 gallons of gas)
  • Route 2: $195 (using 69.5 gallons of gas)
  • Route 3: $219 (using 78.1 gallons of gas)

It is important to note that the fuel cost may vary depending on the type of vehicle, driving habits, and fluctuations in gas prices.

Lodging Cost

Assuming travelers take the fastest route (Route 1) and complete the trip in two days, they may need to book a hotel for one night. The cost of lodging varies based on location, amenities, and season. However, according to the travel website Tripadvisor, the average price for a one-night hotel stay in a mid-range hotel in Missouri is $118. Using this estimate, the total lodging cost would be around $118.

Food Cost

Another major expense to consider when taking a road trip is food. The cost of food will also depend on various factors such as the type of meals, restaurants, and frequency of stops. To save money, travelers can opt for making their meals or choosing budget-friendly options along the route.

Recommendations

Based on the distance, driving time, and fuel cost, Route 1 (via I-55 S, I-35 S, and I-37 S) is the recommended route for driving from Charleston, Illinois, to Corpus Christi, Texas. It is the fastest and most direct route, covering a distance of 1,143 miles and taking around 17 hours and 40 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Charleston, Illinois, to Corpus Christi, Texas, is dependent on several factors such as fuel prices, distance, vehicle type, lodging, and food. Based on the three possible routes discussed above, Route 1 (via I-55 S, I-35 S, and I-37 S) is the recommended route. Travelers are encouraged to plan well, budget for the trip, and keep an eye on gas prices to ensure a successful and enjoyable road trip experience. Safe travels!