Driving Cost from Darien, Illinois to Oak Forest, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Darien to Oak Forest: Budgeting Your Road Trip Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when you're trying to keep costs in check. If you're thinking about driving from Darien, Illinois, to Oak Forest, Illinois, it’s essential to know how mileage, time, and fuel costs can affect your budget. Let's explore the different routes you can take, along with the associated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The I-55 Route

The most popular route between Darien and Oak Forest is via I-55 S, which is a straightforward and quick option.

  • Distance: Approximately 30 miles
  • Time: About 35 minutes (without heavy traffic)
  • Cost: With current gas prices averaging $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 1.2 gallons of gas, amounting to roughly $4.20.

Keep in mind that you may encounter tolls along the way. The I-55 route includes a toll, which is about $1.50. So, your total estimated cost for this trip would be $5.70.

Route 2: The I-294 Route

Another good option is taking the I-294 tollway, which can sometimes help you avoid traffic.

  • Distance: Roughly 33 miles
  • Time: Approximately 40 minutes (traffic dependent)
  • Cost: Based on the same gas price and vehicle efficiency, you'd be looking at around 1.32 gallons of gas, which costs about $4.62.

This route has a higher toll cost, coming in at around $3.00. Therefore, the total cost of driving this way would amount to $7.62. While it's a bit longer, it might be worth it if you’re eager to steer clear of congestion.

Route 3: The Route via US-45

For those who prefer a scenic route, consider driving along US-45. It's slightly longer, but offers a different perspective of the Illinois landscape.

  • Distance: About 35 miles
  • Time: Estimated at 45 minutes
  • Cost: You'll use about 1.4 gallons of gas on this journey, which costs around $4.90.

Luckily, this route does not feature tolls, so your total journey cost would simply be $4.90. This might be the best pick if you want to save on tolls while enjoying a leisurely drive.

Conclusion

When planning your trip from Darien to Oak Forest, it’s clear that different routes come with varying distances, times, and costs. The gas prices and tolls you encounter can make a significant difference in your overall budget.

Whether you choose the speedy I-55 route for a quick journey, the more cost-efficient US-45, or the toll-heavy I-294, you can confidently set out on your adventure knowing exactly what to expect for your travel costs. Safe travels!