Driving Cost from Chicago, Illinois to Silver Spring, Maryland

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Chicago, Illinois and Silver Spring, Maryland

The distance between Chicago, Illinois and Silver Spring, Maryland is approximately 717 miles. If you are planning a road trip between these two cities, it's important to consider the cost of travel, especially with the fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route for your journey.

Route 1: I-70 E

The first possible route is taking I-70 E, which will take you through states such as Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and finally Maryland. This is a direct route and while it is not the shortest, it can be a preferable choice due to its simplicity. The total distance on this route is approximately 781 miles.

Navigating through states and tolls, let's break down the anticipated cost:

  • Gas: The average gas price as of July 2021 is around $3.15 per gallon. Considering the average fuel efficiency of a car on the highway is about 25 miles per gallon, you would need around 31 gallons to complete the journey. So, the estimated cost for gas would be 31 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $97.65.
  • Tolls: Taking this route, you will encounter several tolls along the way. They may vary depending on the type of vehicle you have, and in some cases, can be more expensive for vehicles with multiple axles or higher weight restrictions. On this route, you can expect to pay around $30 in tolls.

The total cost of using Route 1 (I-70 E) would be approximately $127.65.

Route 2: I-65 S and I-264 E

Another alternative is to take I-65 S, passing through Indiana and Kentucky, and then switch to I-264 E, which will lead you to Louisville, Kentucky. From there, you can take I-64 E to reach Silver Spring, Maryland. While this route might be longer than Route 1, it has the advantage of avoiding tolls for a significant distance. The total distance on this route is approximately 820 miles.

Let's calculate the cost for this route:

  • Gas: With the same average gas price and fuel efficiency mentioned previously, the estimated cost for this route would be 33 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $103.95.
  • Tolls: This route allows you to save significantly on tolls, as you won't have to pay any on I-65 or I-264. However, when you switch to I-64 E, you will encounter some tolls. The total toll cost for this route would be around $10.

The total cost of using Route 2 (I-65 S and I-264 E) would be approximately $113.95.

Route 3: I-80 E and I-76 E

The third option is to take I-80 E, which will lead you through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Then, switch to I-76 E, which will take you to Silver Spring, Maryland. This route might offer some scenic views and interesting stops along the way. The total distance on this route is approximately 772 miles.

Now, let's calculate the cost for this route:

  • Gas: Following the same calculations mentioned earlier, the estimated cost for gas on this route would be 31 gallons x $3.15 per gallon = $97.65.
  • Tolls: Similar to Route 1, this route will have tolls. The total toll cost for this route would be around $25.

The total cost of using Route 3 (I-80 E and I-76 E) would be approximately $122.65.

After analyzing the three possible routes, the most cost-effective option is Route 2 (I-65 S and I-264 E). Despite being slightly longer, it allows you to save money by avoiding tolls for a significant portion of the journey.

To summarize, the total cost of a trip between Chicago, Illinois and Silver Spring, Maryland, considering gas prices and tolls, would be approximately $113.95 when taking Route 2 (I-65 S and I-264 E). The journey would cover a distance of approximately 820 miles.

It's important to note that these calculations are based on average gas prices and toll costs at the time of writing. It's always advisable to check for any variations in gas prices and tolls before embarking on your journey.

Safe travels!