The Cost of Driving From Chicago to Oak Forest Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Chicago, Illinois to Oak Forest, Illinois? If so, you may be wondering about the cost of driving. We've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes, their distances, the time they take, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get started!

Route 1: I-55 S

If you're looking for the quickest and most direct route, then taking I-55 S is the way to go. The distance between Chicago and Oak Forest via this route is 18.8 miles. On a clear day with minimal traffic, the drive should take you approximately 27 minutes.

Now let's talk about the cost. The current average gas price in Chicago is $3.00 per gallon. Based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you can estimate the amount of gas you'll need for the trip. For this route, you'll require about 1.5 gallons of gas, resulting in a cost of approximately $4.50.

Please note that there are no tolls along this route, so you won't have to worry about any additional costs.

Route 2: U.S. Route 12 S

Another option is to take U.S. Route 12 S. This route is slightly longer than the previous one, covering a distance of 20.5 miles. However, it may be a good alternative if you want to avoid heavily congested areas.

The estimated travel time for this route is around 32 minutes. Keep in mind that traffic conditions can impact the actual duration of your trip.

Now let's talk money. To complete this route, you'll need approximately 1.7 gallons of gas, considering the same average fuel efficiency and gas prices mentioned earlier. Thus, the cost of gas would be about $5.10.

Once again, there are no tolls on this route, so you can save some extra cash.

Route 3: I-294 S

For those who prefer highways and want to enjoy a scenic drive, taking I-294 S might be a great choice. This route has a length of 22.5 miles.

Due to its popularity, this route may experience heavier traffic, especially during peak hours. Therefore, it's essential to allocate enough time for your journey. On average, expect a travel time of approximately 40 minutes for this route.

Now, let's talk expenses. Your vehicle would require around 1.9 gallons of gas for this route, bringing the cost to approximately $5.70 based on the current average gas price.

Please keep in mind that I-294 S is a toll road, and you'll encounter two toll plazas on your journey. The total cost of tolls would be approximately $3.90. So remember to have some spare change ready!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Chicago, Illinois to Oak Forest, Illinois can vary depending on the route you choose. It's important to consider variables such as distance, travel time, gas prices, and toll fees when planning your trip.

For the shortest and most direct route, take I-55 S, covering a distance of 18.8 miles with an estimated drive time of 27 minutes and a gas cost of approximately $4.50.

If you prefer a slightly longer route to avoid heavy traffic, U.S. Route 12 S is a good option. It spans a distance of 20.5 miles, with a drive time of around 32 minutes and a gas cost of approximately $5.10.

Lastly, if you're up for a scenic ride but don't mind potential traffic, take I-294 S. It covers a distance of 22.5 miles and requires approximately 40 minutes of drive time. The gas cost is approximately $5.70, and toll fees will add an additional $3.90.

So, which route would you choose? Whichever one you decide, buckle up, enjoy the journey, and have a fantastic time in Oak Forest!