The Cost of Driving From Chesterton, Indiana to Vernon Hills, Illinois

Planning a road trip from Chesterton, Indiana to Vernon Hills, Illinois? It's always good to have a rough idea of the cost before hitting the road. In this blog post, we will explore different routes, their distance, time, and the cost associated with each route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-65 S and I-80 W - The Quickest Route

If you're looking to get to Vernon Hills as quickly as possible, this route will be your best bet. Taking I-65 S and then hopping onto I-80 W, you'll cover a distance of approximately 110 miles. This drive typically takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

To calculate the cost of this route, let's consider the current gas prices. As of this writing, the average gas price in Indiana is around $2.85 per gallon. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll require roughly 4.4 gallons for this trip. Therefore, your total fuel cost will be around $12.54.

Additionally, there is a toll to consider when traveling on I-80. The cost can vary depending on your vehicle type and whether you have an electronic transponder. For a standard passenger vehicle without a transponder, the toll is currently $3.50.

Route 2: US-20 W and I-94 W - Scenic Drive, Fewer Tolls

If you have some extra time and wish to enjoy a scenic route while keeping toll expenses to a minimum, this alternative might be for you. Taking US-20 W and then switching to I-94 W, you'll cover a slightly longer distance of approximately 120 miles. This drive typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the beautiful landscapes and potential pit stop options can make it worth the extra time.

Using the current gas prices stated earlier, you will require approximately 4.8 gallons of gas for this trip, amounting to a fuel cost of around $13.68.

In terms of tolls, you'll only come across a single toll plaza on this route, costing $0.50 for a standard passenger vehicle without a transponder. Quite a difference when compared to the previous route!

Route 3: IN-49 S and I-80 W - Avoiding Toll Roads

For those who prefer to completely avoid toll roads, here's an alternative route to consider. Taking IN-49 S until you can connect to I-80 W, you'll cover a distance of approximately 94 miles. This drive typically takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes, depending on traffic.

Without any tolls to take into account, you'll only need to consider the fuel cost for this journey. Following the estimated gas prices mentioned earlier, you'll need around 3.8 gallons of gas, totaling a fuel cost of approximately $10.83.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Chesterton, Indiana to Vernon Hills, Illinois can vary depending on the route you choose. The quickest route via I-65 S and I-80 W will cost around $12.54, including tolls and fuel. If you prefer a scenic drive with fewer tolls, opting for US-20 W and I-94 W will cost approximately $13.68. Finally, for those who wish to avoid toll roads entirely, the cost of taking IN-49 S and I-80 W will be around $10.83.

Remember, these estimates are based on current gas prices and toll rates and may vary over time. Safe travels, and enjoy your trip from Chesterton to Vernon Hills!