The Cost of Driving From Chicago to Plainfield: Exploring Different Routes
Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Plainfield, New Jersey? If so, there are several routes you can take to reach your destination. In this blog post, we will explore the different routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes, and the cost associated with each route, including current gas prices and toll fees. So, buckle up and let's get started!
Route 1: I-80 E and I-76 E (The Direct Route)
The direct route from Chicago to Plainfield takes you through I-80 E and I-76 E. This 855-mile journey can be covered in approximately 13 hours of driving time.
- Distance: 855 miles
- Time: 13 hours
Now let's calculate the cost. The average gas price is currently around $3.00 per gallon. Assuming your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you will require approximately 34 gallons of fuel for the trip. The total gas cost would be:
34 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $102.00
Additionally, please note that there are tolls along this route. The toll fee for this journey can range from $50 to $70, depending on the specific toll booths you encounter. Taking this into account, the total cost for this route, including gas and tolls, will be approximately:
Gas cost: $102.00 Tolls: $60 (estimated)
Total cost: $162.00
Route 2: I-90 E and I-80 E (The Scenic Route)
If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can opt for this route. Starting on I-90 E, you will eventually merge onto I-80 E, offering beautiful vistas along the way. The total distance covered on this route is approximately 860 miles, which can be completed in around 14 hours.
- Distance: 860 miles
- Time: 14 hours
Calculating the cost for this route using the same gas prices and fuel efficiency assumptions as before, you would need approximately 35 gallons of fuel. Therefore, the gas cost alone would be:
35 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $105.00
Taking tolls into account, which can vary depending on the specific toll booths you encounter, let's estimate a toll fee of approximately $55 for this journey. Thus, the total cost for this route, including gas and tolls, would be approximately:
Gas cost: $105.00 Tolls: $55 (estimated)
Total cost: $160.00
Route 3: I-94 E and I-80 E (The Alternative Route)
Our final highlighted route takes you through I-94 E and I-80 E. This option covers a distance of approximately 840 miles and can be completed within 13.5 hours.
- Distance: 840 miles
- Time: 13.5 hours
Calculating the cost for this route is just like the previous routes: assuming $3.00 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon for your car's fuel efficiency, you would require approximately 34 gallons of gas. Hence, the gas cost would be:
34 gallons x $3.00 per gallon = $102.00
Considering tolls along this route, which may differ depending on the specific toll booths, let's estimate a toll fee of around $60. Therefore, the total cost for this route, including gas and tolls, would be approximately:
Gas cost: $102.00 Tolls: $60 (estimated)
Total cost: $162.00
Conclusion
When planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Plainfield, New Jersey, it's essential to consider the different routes available to you. Based on the current gas prices and toll fees, here's a summary of the costs for each route:
Direct Route (I-80 E and I-76 E):
- Distance: 855 miles
- Time: 13 hours
- Total cost: $162.00
Scenic Route (I-90 E and I-80 E):
- Distance: 860 miles
- Time: 14 hours
- Total cost: $160.00
Alternative Route (I-94 E and I-80 E):
- Distance: 840 miles
- Time: 13.5 hours
- Total cost: $162.00
Consider your time, budget, and desire for scenic views when choosing the route that best suits your preferences. Safe travels and enjoy your journey from the Windy City to the Garden State!
***Note: Gas prices and toll fees mentioned in this blog post are based on estimates and are subject to change. Please ensure you check the most up-to-date prices before embarking on your trip.