Driving Cost from Charleston, South Carolina to Mokena, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Charleston, SC and Mokena, IL

When planning a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Mokena, Illinois, it's important to factor in the cost of travel, especially with fluctuating gas prices. The distance between these two destinations is approximately 850 miles, so it's crucial to consider the most cost-effective route. Below, we'll explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We'll also recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: I-26 W and I-77 N

This route takes you through Columbia, South Carolina, before merging onto I-77 N towards Charlotte, North Carolina. From Charlotte, you'll continue on I-77 N through Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio before reaching Illinois. This route spans approximately 950 miles and takes about 14 hours to drive one way.

Route 2: I-95 N and I-64 W

This route leads you through North Carolina before connecting to I-64 W in Richmond, Virginia. From there, you'll travel through Kentucky and Indiana before arriving in Mokena, Illinois. This route covers around 930 miles and takes roughly 14 hours to drive one way.

Route 3: I-85 N and I-65 N

This route takes you through Greenville, South Carolina before joining I-85 N towards Atlanta, Georgia. You'll then transition to I-65 N in Montgomery, Alabama and travel through Tennessee and Kentucky before reaching Illinois. This route spans approximately 900 miles and takes about 13 hours to drive one way.

Cost Analysis

To estimate the cost of each route, we'll consider the average gas prices along the way. As of [current date], the average gas price in South Carolina is $2.30 per gallon, while the average gas price in Illinois is $2.60 per gallon.

Route 1 Cost Estimate

Assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for the entire trip, and an average gas price of $2.30 per gallon in South Carolina and $2.60 per gallon in Illinois, the estimated cost of gas for Route 1 would be:

  • 950 miles / 25 mpg = 38 gallons
  • 38 gallons * $2.30/gallon = $87.40 (South Carolina to Virginia)
  • 38 gallons * $2.60/gallon = $98.80 (Virginia to Illinois)
  • Total Estimated Cost: $186.20 (one way)

Route 2 Cost Estimate

Using the same fuel economy and gas prices as Route 1, the estimated cost of gas for Route 2 would be:

  • 930 miles / 25 mpg = 37.2 gallons
  • 37.2 gallons * $2.30/gallon = $85.56 (South Carolina to Virginia)
  • 37.2 gallons * $2.60/gallon = $96.72 (Virginia to Illinois)
  • Total Estimated Cost: $182.28 (one way)

Route 3 Cost Estimate

Again, using the same fuel economy and gas prices as Routes 1 and 2, the estimated cost of gas for Route 3 would be:

  • 900 miles / 25 mpg = 36 gallons
  • 36 gallons * $2.30/gallon = $82.80 (South Carolina to Atlanta)
  • 36 gallons * $2.60/gallon = $93.60 (Atlanta to Illinois)
  • Total Estimated Cost: $176.40 (one way)

Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis, Route 3 is the most affordable option in terms of gas expenses. It also covers the shortest distance, saving you time and reducing overall wear and tear on your vehicle. Additionally, Route 3 allows for a smoother drive with less traffic congestion compared to the other routes. Therefore, we recommend taking Route 3 (I-85 N and I-65 N) for the most cost-effective and efficient journey from Charleston, SC to Mokena, IL.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recommended route for a cost-effective trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Mokena, Illinois is Route 3, which spans approximately 900 miles and takes about 13 hours to drive one way. By choosing this route, travelers can save on gas expenses and enjoy a relatively smooth and efficient journey. Safe travels!