Driving Cost from Darien, Illinois to Evanston, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Darien, Illinois to Evanston, Illinois: A Gas-Friendly Guide

Planning a drive from Darien to Evanston? Great choice! Both towns offer unique experiences, and this post dives into your options, helping you budget your trip effectively. With current gas prices hovering around $3.75 per gallon, let’s explore different routes, their distances, times, and costs so you can hit the road with confidence.

Route 1: The I-55 and I-90 Route

The first route to consider is the one that utilizes I-55 and I-90. This scenic option is popular for its straightforward navigation and relatively light traffic.

  • Distance: Approximately 38 miles
  • Time: Roughly 50 minutes depending on traffic
  • Toll Costs: You can expect to pay about $3.50 in tolls on this route.

Now, how much will this cost you in gas? Given your distance of 38 miles and a car that averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 1.52 gallons of gas. At $3.75 per gallon, that’s approximately $5.70 for fuel.

All told, your trip via this route will cost around $9.20 (including gas and tolls), making it a budget-friendly option!

Route 2: The I-294 Bypass Route

If you’re looking for a quicker journey, consider taking the I-294 Bypass. This route is particularly effective during rush hour, as it can save you valuable time.

  • Distance: About 34 miles
  • Time: Typically around 45 minutes
  • Toll Costs: Keep in mind that the tolls for this route are a bit higher, sitting at roughly $4.50.

Now, let’s calculate the gas expenses. For this 34 miles trip, with the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’d require 1.36 gallons of gas. Bringing the total fuel cost to around $5.10.

In summary, the total expense for this route will be around $9.60 (including gas and tolls). Not significantly more, but faster, which may be worth considering!

Route 3: The Local Roads Option

Lastly, if you prefer a more leisurely drive, the local roads option gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery and explore some hidden gems along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 36 miles
  • Time: Expect to spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes
  • Toll Costs: No tolls on this route, which is a definite perk!

For this 36 miles journey, assuming the same fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you will need 1.44 gallons of gas, translating to about $5.40 in fuel expenses.

Totalling everything, your trip using local roads adds up to $5.40, which is the most economical option in terms of tolls—but it does take a bit longer.

Conclusion

So, when planning your drive from Darien to Evanston, consider these different routes. The I-55 and I-90 route costs about $9.20, the I-294 bypass is around $9.60, and the more laid-back local roads option brings you in at just $5.40. Each route offers its own unique experience, so choose what suits your travel style best.

Happy driving! Safe travels while you explore all that Evanston and Darien have to offer!