Driving Cost from City of Rochester, New York to Janesville, Wisconsin

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Rochester, NY to Janesville, WI: A Guide to Fuel Efficient Routes

With the ever-increasing gas prices, it's essential to consider the cost of fuel when planning a trip. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the various routes between the City of Rochester, New York, and Janesville, Wisconsin, based on current gas prices. We will examine the distances, costs, and efficiency of each route, ultimately recommending the best option for your journey.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The most straightforward and shortest route between Rochester, NY, and Janesville, WI is taking I-90 W. This direct path spans approximately 840 miles, with no major detours or alternate routes. Though it may appear to be the most logical choice, it's crucial to examine the cost implications given current gas prices.

Distance:

The total distance of this route is approximately 840 miles.

Fuel Efficiency:

To estimate the fuel cost for this trip, we must consider the average fuel efficiency of a vehicle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average car in the United States has a fuel efficiency of around 25 miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, with an 840-mile journey, a car would require approximately 33.6 gallons of fuel.

Fuel Cost Calculation:

To estimate the fuel cost, we need to consider the current gas prices. As of June 2021, the average gas price in the United States is $3.04 per gallon. Multiplying this by the required gallons gives us a total fuel cost of approximately $101.66.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

For those looking to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and explore new areas, taking a scenic route can be a fantastic option. In this case, we will consider traveling via I-90, but with some beautiful detours:

  • In Rochester, NY, head south towards the Pennsylvania border, entering the Allegheny National Forest area.
  • Enjoy the lush scenery as you continue along Route 6 through Pennsylvania.
  • Cross into Ohio and take US-20 W towards Toledo, OH.
  • From Toledo, OH, head southwest on I-75 S, passing through parts of Indiana.
  • Finally, merge onto I-90 W to Janesville, WI.

While this route adds some extra miles to your journey, the enhanced experience might make it worth considering.

Distance:

This scenic route is longer than the direct route, totaling approximately 910 miles.

Fuel Efficiency:

The fuel efficiency remains the same for this route, with an average of 25 MPG.

Fuel Cost Calculation:

Considering the increased distance, the fuel consumption will also increase. For this route, the estimated fuel cost would be around $121.60, assuming gas prices and average fuel efficiency remain constant.

Route 3: The Economic Route

In times of rising fuel prices, opting for a route that minimizes costs can be a prudent decision. The economic route we recommend includes avoiding major highways, where gas station prices tend to be higher. Here's a breakdown of this cost-saving option:

  • Start your journey by taking I-90 W, as in the direct route.
  • Once you reach the Cleveland, OH area, opt for I-480 W instead of I-90 W.
  • Continue on I-480 W until reaching I-80 W.
  • Follow I-80 W through parts of Indiana.
  • Finally, merge onto I-39 N/I-90 W to Janesville, WI.

This route might require some additional navigation, but it will likely save you money on fuel costs.

Distance:

The total distance of this route is approximately 850 miles.

Fuel Efficiency:

As with the previous routes, we assume an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG.

Fuel Cost Calculation:

Considering the distance and potential savings from avoiding higher gas prices on the main highways, the estimated fuel cost for this economic route is approximately $113.33.

Recommendation: The Economic Route is the Way to Go

Based on the analysis above, the best route option for a trip from Rochester, NY to Janesville, WI, considering current gas prices, is the economic route. Though it is slightly longer than the direct route, the cost savings are significant. By opting for this alternative path, you can save approximately $12 compared to the direct route and $8.27 compared to the scenic route.

The economic route presents an opportunity to travel without spending excessively on fuel. Your savings can instead be allocated towards an enjoyable experience during the trip or saved for other expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the economic route provides the best combination of distance and fuel cost efficiency for a trip from Rochester, NY to Janesville, WI. With a total distance of approximately 850 miles, it may take around 14-16 hours, depending on traffic and any stops along the way.

By keeping an eye on fuel prices and considering alternative routes, travelers can make informed decisions that enable them to save on fuel costs without compromising the enjoyment of their journey. Safe travels!