The Cost of Driving From Chicago, Illinois to Niles, Michigan

Do you have plans to travel from Chicago, Illinois to Niles, Michigan? Before hitting the road, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and calculate the cost of the trip. In this blog post, we'll explore different routes, their distances, the time it takes, and the cost of each route, taking into consideration the current gas prices and toll prices.

Route 1: I-94

The first route we'll explore is the popular and straightforward option, taking Interstate 94. The distance from Chicago to Niles via this route is approximately 70 miles. With moderate traffic, the estimated driving time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

To calculate the cost of driving on this route, we'll consider the current gas prices in the area, which are around $3.10 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 2.8 gallons of gas for this trip. Therefore, the total cost for gas would be around $8.68.

Additionally, please keep in mind that you might encounter tolls along the way. On this particular route, there is a toll of $2.80 for cars at the Indiana Toll Road. So, factoring in both gas and toll expenses, the total cost for this route would be approximately $11.48.

Route 2: Scenic Adventure

If you're in the mood for a scenic drive and have some extra time on your hands, you might consider taking the more picturesque route via US-12 West. While this option adds a bit of distance, it can be an enjoyable experience.

The distance from Chicago to Niles on this route is approximately 80 miles. Due to a few winding roads and slower speed limits, the estimated driving time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Using the same approximate gas prices as before, the cost for this route would be slightly higher. Considering the extra mileage, you'll need about 3.2 gallons of gas, totaling to approximately $9.92. And, as with the previous route, please remember that tolls may apply on certain parts of this journey.

Route 3: The Quick Escape

If time is of the essence and you're primarily concerned with getting to Niles as quickly as possible, then bypassing scenic views and opting for the speediest route might be your best choice. By taking the US-20 East and I-80 East combo, you'll have a direct path from Chicago to Niles.

The distance via this route is around 75 miles, and you can expect to reach your destination in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. With the same gas prices as mentioned earlier, the required amount of gas for this trip would come to about 3 gallons, amounting to approximately $9.30 in total.

Fewer tolls are encountered on this route compared to the others, but please be aware that there is still a toll of $1.50 for cars at the Indiana Toll Road east of Lake Station. When considering gas and toll expenses, the total cost for this route would be around $10.80.

In conclusion, when planning your trip from Chicago, Illinois to Niles, Michigan, there are several routes to consider, each with its own distance, time, and cost. Whether you prefer the straightforward drive or are looking to take a scenic adventure, it's essential to take into account gas prices, tolls, and the overall expenses associated with your chosen route. So pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and enjoy the journey! Safe travels!