The Cost of Driving From Ithaca, New York to Alma, Michigan

Are you planning a road trip from Ithaca, New York to Alma, Michigan? If so, it's important to factor in the cost of driving. With gas prices fluctuating and toll fees adding up, it's good to know what you're getting into financially before embarking on your journey. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, the approximate time it will take, and of course, the cost.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The most straightforward route from Ithaca, New York to Alma, Michigan is to take Interstate 80 West and then transfer to Interstate 75 North. This route covers a distance of 631 miles and usually takes around 10 hours of driving time.

To estimate the cost of this trip, we need to consider the average gas price and toll fees along the way. As of September 2021, the national average gas price is around $3.30 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 25 gallons of gas for this trip. That brings the total cost of gas to (25 gallons x $3.30 per gallon) $82.50.

In terms of tolls, there are a few toll booths along this route. Expect to pay approximately $15 in toll fees throughout the journey. Therefore, the total cost for this direct route would be $82.50 for gas plus $15 for tolls, totaling $97.50.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can choose to take Route 96 West from Ithaca, New York to Erie, Pennsylvania. From there, you can hop on Interstate 90 West to Cleveland, Ohio, and finally join Interstate 75 North towards Alma, Michigan. This route adds a bit of extra distance, but it offers beautiful countryside views along the way.

The distance for this alternative route is approximately 662 miles, which translates to approximately 10.5 hours of driving time. As for the cost, we can use the same gas price and mileage assumptions as before. With 26.5 gallons of gas required for this trip, the cost would amount to $87.45. Toll fees will still apply, but they are similar to Route 1, totaling $15, resulting in a grand total of $102.45.

Route 3: The Economy Route

Lastly, for those looking to save a bit of money, we have an economy route option. Instead of taking the interstate highways, you can take Route 96 West from Ithaca, New York to Erie, Pennsylvania, and then Route 2 West towards Toledo, Ohio. Once in Toledo, connect to State Highway 39 heading North, and finally join State Highway 27 towards Alma, Michigan.

This route may be less direct, with a distance of about 585 miles, however, it's important to note that this can be a slower option due to the smaller roads and potential traffic. The estimated driving time is around 11 hours.

As for the cost, with 23.4 gallons of gas required, assuming the same gas price, the total gas cost would be $77.22. Additionally, there are minimal toll fees along this route, summing up to around $10. Therefore, the economy route will cost you approximately $87.22.

Remember, these costs are based on average gas prices and toll fees; they may vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific gas station you choose or any toll rate changes along the route.

So, whether you choose the direct, scenic, or economy route, make sure to consider the distance, cost, and time when planning your trip from Ithaca, New York to Alma, Michigan. Bon voyage!