Driving Cost from Chicago, Illinois to East Ridge, Tennessee

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Chicago, Illinois to East Ridge, Tennessee: Navigating Gas Prices

Introduction

Embarking on a road trip is always an exhilarating experience, but it's important to plan ahead, especially when it comes to estimating the cost of your journey. Gas prices can vary significantly, affecting your budget and overall trip expenses. We'll explore the different routes from Chicago, Illinois to East Ridge, Tennessee, taking into account the current gas prices to help you make an informed decision.

Route 1: I-65 and I-24 (770 miles)

The first and most direct route from Chicago to East Ridge takes you through the states of Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Starting on I-65 South in Chicago, this route spans approximately 770 miles and typically takes around 12 to 13 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Gas Prices

Considering the average gas price in the Midwestern and Southern states, here is an estimate of the total fuel cost for this route:

  • Indiana: The current average gas price in Indiana is $2.88 per gallon. With this in mind, and considering the distance from Chicago to the Indiana border is approximately 150 miles, a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon (MPG) would require 6 gallons of gas, totaling $17.28.

  • Kentucky: Moving on to Kentucky, the average gas price stands at $2.86 per gallon. From the Indiana border to the Tennessee border, the distance is approximately 250 miles. This would require 10 gallons of gas, which amounts to $28.60.

  • Tennessee: Lastly, entering Tennessee on this route, the average gas price is currently $2.79 per gallon. With approximately 150 miles remaining, a vehicle averaging 25 MPG would need 6 gallons of gas, costing $16.74.

Considering the total distance of 550 miles covered on this route, including fuel costs from all three states, the estimated gas expenditure would be around $62.62.

Route 2: I-57 and I-24 (800 miles)

Another route option from Chicago to East Ridge involves taking I-57 South and eventually merging onto I-24 East, a slightly longer journey compared to Route 1. This route stretches approximately 800 miles and takes roughly 13 to 14 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Gas Prices

Let's consider the average gas prices in the states through which this route passes:

  • Illinois: As we embark from Chicago, the average gas price is $3.17 per gallon in Illinois. With a distance of around 100 miles to the Indiana border, requiring 4 gallons of gas (assuming a 25 MPG vehicle), this would cost approximately $12.68.

  • Indiana: Moving onward, the average gas price in Indiana is $2.88 per gallon. From the Illinois border to the Tennessee border, approximately 350 miles, 14 gallons of gas would be necessary, costing $40.32.

  • Tennessee: Finally, entering Tennessee, the average gas price is $2.79 per gallon. With approximately 250 miles remaining, 10 gallons of gas (based on a 25 MPG vehicle) would amount to $27.90.

Taking into consideration the total distance of 700 miles covered on this route, including fuel costs from the three states traversed, the estimated gas expenditure would be around $80.90.

Route 3: I-55 and I-24 (810 miles)

The third route option from Chicago to East Ridge involves taking I-55 South and later joining I-24 East. This route spans approximately 810 miles and usually takes around 13 to 14 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Gas Prices

Let's analyze the average gas prices in the states constituting this route:

  • Illinois: Starting in Chicago, the average gas price in Illinois is $3.17 per gallon. With a distance of approximately 150 miles to the Missouri border, a vehicle with a 25 MPG average would require 6 gallons of gas, costing $19.02.

  • Missouri: Upon entering Missouri, the average gas price stands at $2.85 per gallon. From the Illinois border to the Kentucky border, the distance is roughly 250 miles. This would require 10 gallons of gas, totaling $28.50.

  • Kentucky: Continuing on to Kentucky, the average gas price is $2.86 per gallon. With approximately 350 miles remaining, a vehicle averaging 25 MPG would need 14 gallons of gas, costing $40.04.

Considering the total distance of 750 miles covered on this route, including fuel costs from all three states, the estimated gas expenditure would be around $87.56.

Route Recommendation

After analyzing the three routes, Route 1 (I-65 and I-24) appears to be the most cost-effective option when considering current gas prices. With an estimated expense of $62.62 for a vehicle averaging 25 MPG, this route offers optimal fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to East Ridge, Tennessee not only promises beautiful scenery and memorable experiences, but it also necessitates careful consideration of gas prices along the different routes. When factoring in the approximate gas expenses based on today's prices, Route 1 (I-65 and I-24) emerges as the most affordable option, costing an estimated $62.62 for a vehicle achieving 25 MPG. Additionally, this route covers a distance of approximately 770 miles and typically takes around 12 to 13 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Safe travels on your road trip adventure through the heartlands of America!