Driving Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Providence, Rhode Island

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The Cost of a Trip from Chicago, Illinois to Providence, Rhode Island

Introduction

Planning a trip from Chicago, Illinois to Providence, Rhode Island? As you embark on your journey, one of the key factors to consider is the cost of the trip. With fluctuating gas prices and multiple route options, it's important to evaluate the various factors that will impact your budget. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for an economical journey.

Route Options

Route 1: I-90 E

The first route option is taking Interstate 90 East, which is the most direct route from Chicago to Providence. The distance is approximately 1,016 miles with an estimated travel time of around 15-17 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This route allows you to experience the scenic beauty of the Midwest and the New England area. However, the tolls on this route can significantly impact the overall cost of your trip.

Tolls can vary from state to state, and it's essential to consider the potential expenses when budgeting for your journey. On I-90 East, you will encounter toll booths in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. These tolls can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your travel budget.

Cost of Tolls on I-90 E:

  • Illinois: The tolls in Illinois will cost you $13.20 for a passenger car.
  • Indiana: Expect to pay $10.70 in tolls when passing through Indiana.
  • Ohio: Toll expenses in Ohio amount to $43.05 for a passenger vehicle.
  • Pennsylvania: Toll costs in Pennsylvania will be approximately $50.00.
  • New York: When entering New York, you will face tolls of around $44.25.

It's essential to note that these toll amounts are subject to change, so it's recommended to check for the most up-to-date toll rates before your trip. Considering all toll costs, the total amount you can expect to spend on tolls when taking I-90 East is approximately $161.20.

Route 2: I-80 E

Another option is to take Interstate 80 East, which offers a slightly longer but potentially more cost-effective route. The total distance on this route is approximately 1,140 miles, making the travel time around 17-19 hours. While this route adds around 124 additional miles compared to Route 1, it may be more budget-friendly due to fewer toll roads.

Cost of Tolls on I-80 E:

  • Indiana: The toll expenses in Indiana are the same as Route 1, amounting to $10.70.
  • Ohio: Similarly, toll costs in Ohio remain the same as Route 1, totaling $43.05.
  • Pennsylvania: Traveling through Pennsylvania on I-80 East will require approximately $45.70 in toll payments.

Comparing the toll costs of Route 2 to Route 1, taking I-80 East can save you approximately $61.75, making it a more economical choice.

Route 3: I-70 E & I-76 E

For those looking for an alternative and potentially more scenic route, taking Interstate 70 East and then Interstate 76 East is another option to consider. This route will take you through the beautiful landscapes of the Midwest and Pennsylvania.

The total distance on this route is approximately 1,111 miles, with an estimated travel time of 16-18 hours. While it is slightly shorter than Route 2, it does involve more tolls.

Cost of Tolls on I-70 E & I-76 E:

  • Indiana: Tolls in Indiana remain the same as the previous routes, costing $10.70.
  • Ohio: Expect to pay the same toll expenses in Ohio, totaling $43.05.
  • Pennsylvania: Unlike the previous routes, taking I-70 East and I-76 East will result in a higher toll payment in Pennsylvania, amounting to approximately $57.10.

When considering the toll costs, this route will require you to spend approximately $110.85 on tolls, which is comparatively higher than Route 2 but lower than Route 1.

After evaluating the different route options, the recommended route for an economical journey is Route 2: I-80 East. While it may add a few extra miles compared to the most direct route (Route 1), the significant reduction in toll costs makes it a more cost-effective choice.

Taking into account the cost of gas, distance, and tolls, Route 2 offers a balance between an affordable trip and a reasonable travel time. Additionally, this route allows you to explore different states along the way, enhancing your travel experience.

Conclusion

Embarking on a trip from Chicago, Illinois, to Providence, Rhode Island, requires careful consideration of the cost and route options. After evaluating the various factors, Route 2: I-80 East emerges as the recommended option for an economical journey. With a slightly longer distance but substantially lower toll costs, this route strikes the right balance between budget and travel time.

When accounting for gas prices, travel distance, and estimated toll costs, the overall cost of this trip can vary depending on the specific vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. However, by choosing Route 2, you can expect to spend approximately $61.75 less on tolls compared to Route 1. This saving, combined with a travel time of around 17-19 hours, makes Route 2 an ideal choice for cost-conscious travelers.

Safe travels and enjoy your journey from Chicago to Providence!