The Cost of a Trip Between Chicago Ridge, Illinois, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Exploring Routes and Expenses

Introduction

Planning a trip from Chicago Ridge, Illinois, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, can be an exciting endeavor. But before you hit the road, it's essential to factor in the costs involved. With fluctuating gas prices and various possible routes, selecting the most cost-effective journey is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the different routes available, highlighting their distances and associated expenses, ultimately recommending the best route for your trip.

Possible Routes and Their Costs

Route 1: Via I-65 S and I-40 E

The first route we'll explore takes you south along I-65 before merging onto I-40, eventually leading you to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This route covers a total distance of approximately 610 miles.

Gas Expenses

To calculate the cost of this route, we need to consider the average gas prices along the way. As of October 2021, the average gas price in the Midwest region, including Illinois, is $3.35 per gallon. Assuming an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle, let's break down the approximate expenses for this route:

Distance: 610 miles
Fuel consumption: 610 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 24.4 gallons
Total fuel cost: 24.4 gallons * $3.35 per gallon = $82

Route 2: Via I-57 S and I-24 E

The second route option takes you through a more eastern path, beginning along I-57 before transitioning onto I-24. This route covers a total distance of around 650 miles.

Gas Expenses

Considering the same gas prices as Route 1, let's calculate the approximate gas expenses for this route:

Distance: 650 miles
Fuel consumption: 650 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 26 gallons
Total fuel cost: 26 gallons * $3.35 per gallon = $87.1

Route 3: Via I-55 S and I-40 E

The third route leads you south along I-55 before merging onto I-40, eventually taking you to Gatlinburg. This route covers a total distance of roughly 660 miles.

Gas Expenses

Utilizing the same gas prices as before, let's calculate the fuel expenses for this route:

Distance: 660 miles
Fuel consumption: 660 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 26.4 gallons
Total fuel cost: 26.4 gallons * $3.35 per gallon = $88.44

Recommending the Best Route

Now that we have explored three possible routes and their associated fuel expenses, let's compare the costs:

Route 1: Approximately $82
Route 2: Approximately $87.1
Route 3: Approximately $88.44

Based on these calculations, it is clear that Route 1, via I-65 S and I-40 E, offers the lowest fuel expenses among the three options. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it also covers a slightly shorter distance of 610 miles. Therefore, we recommend taking Route 1 to minimize your expenses and travel efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip from Chicago Ridge, Illinois, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, involves considering the costs associated with traveling. After diligently examining the available routes, we recommend taking Route 1 via I-65 S and I-40 E. This option averages around 610 miles and incurs an estimated fuel expense of $82, assuming the current gas prices of $3.35 per gallon. By selecting this route, you can enjoy a cost-effective journey without compromising the beauty of your road trip adventure.

Safe travels, and may your journey from Chicago Ridge to Gatlinburg be filled with memorable experiences!