The Cost of Driving From Chicago to Earlville: Exploring Different Routes
Planning a road trip can be an exciting adventure, especially when exploring the great state of Illinois. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time road tripper, it's essential to consider the cost of your journey. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the cost, distance, and time of driving from Chicago, Illinois to Earlville, Illinois, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Route 1: I-90 W and IL-47 S
The first route we'll explore takes you through the heart of Illinois via I-90 W and IL-47 S. Covering a distance of 79.5 miles, this route is a scenic choice that provides a taste of the beautiful Illinois countryside. On average, it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this journey.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect for this trip:
With the current average gas price in Illinois at $2.60 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the approximate cost for gas on this route will be around $26.
Additionally, you will encounter tolls on this route, including the $8.50 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the $0.50 DeKalb Oasis Toll Plaza. Be sure to have cash or an I-Pass/E-ZPass to cover these costs.
Route 2: IL-34 W and IL-47 N
Another option to consider is taking IL-34 W and IL-47 N, a route with its own unique charm. This slightly longer route covers a distance of 83.5 miles and is estimated to take around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete.
Let's dive into the costs associated with this route:
Based on the current gas prices mentioned earlier, you can expect to spend approximately $28 on gas for the trip.
Toll-wise, you'll encounter the same tolls as Route 1, namely the $8.50 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the $0.50 DeKalb Oasis Toll Plaza.
Route 3: I-290 W and IL-23 N
If you prefer a more direct route, you might consider taking I-290 W and IL-23 N. This route covers a distance of approximately 70.7 miles and is expected to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Let's break down the costs of this route:
With the current gas prices, you can expect to spend approximately $24 on gas for this trip.
Toll-wise, you'll encounter the following tolls: the $1.90 I-355 toll, the $0.75 I-88 toll, and the aforementioned $0.50 DeKalb Oasis Toll Plaza.
Route 4: The Scenic Route
For those seeking a more leisurely journey, we can't overlook the scenic routes that take you through smaller towns and picturesque landscapes. While these routes may not be the most time-efficient, they offer a truly immersive experience.
Since the distance and time for these routes can vary significantly based on your personal preferences and detours along the way, it's important to plan and calculate your costs accordingly. However, as an approximate cost estimate, using the gas prices and fuel efficiency mentioned earlier, you can expect to spend between $24 and $28 on gas, depending on the route's length.
Keep in mind that these scenic routes might not have tolls, allowing you to enjoy the journey without the added expense.
As you can see, there are a variety of routes to consider when driving from Chicago to Earlville, each with its own distance, time, and cost implications. Ultimately, the choice of route depends on your preferences, priorities, and of course, your budget.
So, buckle up, plan accordingly, and hit the road! Safe travels!