Driving Cost from DeKalb, Illinois to Gary, Indiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from DeKalb, Illinois to Gary, Indiana: A Gas Price Perspective

Planning a trip from DeKalb to Gary? It’s important to consider the costs, especially when it comes to gas and tolls. With fluctuating gas prices, knowing what to expect can help you budget your journey. Let’s break down a couple of different routes you can take, along with their distances, driving times, and costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Via I-90 and I-94

The most straightforward route involves taking I-90 E and I-94 E. This path offers a smooth drive with scenic views along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 65 miles
  • Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Gas Cost: With gas prices averaging around $3.70 per gallon and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 2.6 gallons of gas. That brings your gas cost to around $9.62.

Additionally, keep in mind the tolls along this route. The total toll cost may vary slightly, but you can expect to pay about $4.00 for the tolls.

Total Cost for Route 1: About $13.62 for gas and tolls.

Route 2: Via I-88 and I-65

An alternative option is to take I-88 E and I-65 N. This route can be slightly longer but offers a different perspective of the area.

  • Distance: Approximately 75 miles
  • Time: Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, again depending on traffic conditions.
  • Gas Cost: With the same gas price of $3.70 per gallon and a vehicle mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll use about 3 gallons of gas. This means your gas cost will be around $11.10.

For this route, tolls are also an expense to consider, but they're generally lower. You might pay about $3.00 for the tolls.

Total Cost for Route 2: Approximately $14.10 for gas and tolls.

Summary and Tips

In summary, your trip from DeKalb to Gary can vary in cost based on your chosen route. The first route via I-90 is slightly cheaper and quicker, at $13.62, while the second route will cost you about $14.10.

When planning your trip, it’s wise to check for updated gas prices and toll rates. Plus, consider using apps that can help you track your expenses along the way or provide real-time traffic updates to ensure a smooth ride.

Whichever route you decide on, enjoy your drive! Safe travels!