The Cost of a Trip: Columbus, Ohio to Saint Louis, Michigan

When planning a trip from Columbus, Ohio to Saint Louis, Michigan, there are many factors to consider. Among these, calculating the cost of the trip is an important one, especially considering the current gas prices. There are various routes available, each with its own costs and distances to consider. This article will break down the potential costs and distances associated with each route, as well as offer recommendations for the best route to take.

Route 1: Taking I-70 W

One of the most straightforward routes to take from Columbus, Ohio to Saint Louis, Michigan is to follow I-70 W. This route covers a total distance of approximately 400 miles. Based on the current average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, and assuming a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost for gas alone for this route would be around $144 (round trip).

Route 2: Opting for I-71 S and I-65 S

Another possible route is to take I-71 S and then switch to I-65 S. While this route is longer in terms of distance, at roughly 450 miles, the gas prices may vary along this route. At the same average gas price of $3.00 per gallon and a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost for gas for this route would be approximately $162 (round trip).

Route 3: Choosing I-70 W and I-57 S

For those looking for a more scenic route that includes a mix of highways and rural roads, taking I-70 W and then switching to I-57 S presents another option. This route covers around 500 miles, and at the current gas price of $3.00 per gallon, and a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost for gas would be roughly $180 (round trip).

Route 4: Going through Dayton and Indianapolis

One less common but viable route is to go through Dayton and then take I-70 W to Indianapolis before switching to I-74 W towards Saint Louis, Michigan. This route covers a total distance of approximately 460 miles. With the average gas price at $3.00 per gallon and a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost for gas for this route would be around $166 (round trip).

Recommended Route

Based on the estimated costs and distances, the most cost-effective and efficient route for the trip from Columbus, Ohio to Saint Louis, Michigan would be to take I-70 W. Not only is this route the shortest in terms of distance, but it also offers a direct path with minimal detours. This would result in an estimated round trip cost of around $144 for gas, based on the current average gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

Conclusion

After carefully considering the available routes and their associated costs and distances, it is clear that taking I-70 W is the most optimal choice for the trip between Columbus, Ohio and Saint Louis, Michigan. With an estimated round trip cost of $144 for gas and a total distance of approximately 400 miles, this route offers the best balance of affordability and efficiency. Depending on driving conditions and speed, the average travel time for this route is between 6-7 hours each way. Ultimately, by choosing the recommended route, travelers can save both time and money on their trip.