Cost of a Trip between Chicago, Illinois and New Lenox, Illinois

Introduction

Planning a trip between Chicago, Illinois and New Lenox, Illinois requires careful consideration of various factors, including distance, travel time, and most importantly, cost. Gas prices fluctuate regularly and can greatly influence the overall expenses of a journey. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes for this trip, highlighting the cost and distance of each option. By the end, we will recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Routes and Costs

Route 1: Via I-94 South

The first and most straightforward route to consider is via I-94 South. Starting from Chicago, you would take I-90/94 and continue south on I-94 for approximately 30 miles until you reach New Lenox. This route offers the advantage of a well-maintained highway and convenient access to various amenities along the way.

With gas prices currently at $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for this route would be:

$\frac{{\text{{Distance}}}}{{\text{{MPG}}}} \times \text{{Price per gallon}} = \frac{{30 \text{{ miles}}}}{{25 \text{{ MPG}}}} \times $2.50 = $3.00$

Route 2: Via I-55 South

Another viable option is to take I-55 South from Chicago to New Lenox. This route is slightly longer but offers different attractions along the way, such as scenic vistas and smaller towns worth exploring. To reach New Lenox, you would take I-55 South for around 35 miles.

Using the same gas price and vehicle fuel efficiency, the cost for this route can be calculated as follows:

$\frac{{\text{{Distance}}}}{{\text{{MPG}}}} \times \text{{Price per gallon}} = \frac{{35 \text{{ miles}}}}{{25 \text{{ MPG}}}} \times $2.50 = $3.50$

Route 3: Via IL-171 South

For those seeking an alternative route, IL-171 South is worth considering. Although this option may take longer due to traffic or road conditions, it provides an opportunity to explore charming suburbs and enjoy a change of scenery. Taking this route, the distance between Chicago and New Lenox amounts to roughly 32 miles.

Again, using the same gas price and vehicle fuel efficiency, the cost for this route is:

$\frac{{\text{{Distance}}}}{{\text{{MPG}}}} \times \text{{Price per gallon}} = \frac{{32 \text{{ miles}}}}{{25 \text{{ MPG}}}} \times $2.50 = $3.20$

Recommended Route

Based on current gas prices and considering both cost and distance, the most cost-efficient route between Chicago and New Lenox is via I-94 South. This route provides a direct path with the shortest distance of 30 miles, resulting in a total cost of $3.00. Additionally, the well-maintained highway and convenient amenities make it an ideal choice for travelers.

Conclusion

After carefully analyzing the possible routes and taking into account the cost, distance, and current gas prices, it is recommended to travel between Chicago, Illinois and New Lenox, Illinois via I-94 South. This direct route covers a distance of 30 miles and will cost approximately $3.00 based on current gas prices. Taking into consideration these factors, this route remains a reliable and cost-effective option for travelers.