The Cost of Driving from Darien to Lombard: A Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a short drive from Darien to Lombard? With gas prices fluctuating, it's always a good idea to know what your trip will cost. Let's take a closer look at some preferred routes, the distances you’ll encounter, the time you’ll spend on the road, and, of course, how much it will cost you based on the current gas prices.

Route 1: The I-355 North Route

First up, we have the I-355 North route. This is a pretty popular choice because it’s straightforward and relatively quick.

Distance: Approximately 12 miles
Estimated Time: Around 20 minutes without heavy traffic
Toll Cost: Expect to pay about $1.50 for the tolls along this route.
Gas Cost: With today’s average gas price around $3.60 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you're looking at approximately $0.86 for gas.

So, if you take Route 1, the total cost of your trip will be roughly $2.36.

Route 2: The Route via Highland Avenue

Next, let’s examine the route through Highland Avenue. Many locals prefer this route for its scenic views and less stressful drive.

Distance: Approximately 10 miles
Estimated Time: About 25 minutes, considering stoplights and potential traffic.
Toll Cost: The great news here is that this route does not include any tolls.
Gas Cost: Again, using the current gas price of $3.60 per gallon and an estimated gas efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, your gas cost comes down to $0.72.

Summing it all up, taking the Highland Avenue route would only cost you around $0.72.

Route 3: The Local Streets Option

Finally, let’s consider the local streets option, where you can enjoy a more leisurely drive through suburban neighborhoods.

Distance: Roughly 11 miles
Estimated Time: Approximately 30 minutes as you navigate through stop signs and traffic lights.
Toll Cost: Good news! Like the Highland Avenue route, this option is toll-free.
Gas Cost: Using the same gas price of $3.60 per gallon, with an efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll spend about $0.84 on gas.

Combining all these figures, your total expense for taking the local streets would be around $0.84.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, your driving expenses from Darien to Lombard can vary significantly depending on your chosen route. From the straightforward I-355 North at approximately $2.36 to the more leisurely local streets option at about $0.84, you have plenty of choices based on your preferences and time constraints. Whatever route you choose, safe travels and happy driving!