Driving Cost from DeKalb, Illinois to Joliet, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from DeKalb, Illinois to Joliet, Illinois: Navigating Routes and Fuel Expenses

Traveling from DeKalb, Illinois, to Joliet, Illinois, opens up various routes you can take depending on your preferences for speed, distance, and scenery. As of October 2023, the average gas price hovers around $3.40 per gallon. Let’s explore different routes, estimated costs, and the best option for your journey.

Route Options

Choosing the right route depends on various factors such as distance, driving time, and, prominently, gas expenses. Here are three popular routes you can take for your trip from DeKalb to Joliet.

Route 1: I-88 E to I-55 S

Distance: Approximately 66 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost Estimate: $8.60

Starting from DeKalb, you would take I-88 E, transition onto I-55 S, and navigate your way to Joliet. This route features plenty of highway driving, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid local traffic.

Cost Breakdown

The distance of this route is roughly 66 miles. Assuming your vehicle's mileage is about 25 miles per gallon, you'd use about 2.64 gallons of gas for this trip. At the current gas price of $3.40, here's how the math works out:

  • Gas needed: 66 miles / 25 mpg = 2.64 gallons
  • Cost of gas: 2.64 gallons x $3.40 = approximately $8.96

Route 2: IL-23 S to I-80 W

Distance: Approximately 70 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost Estimate: $9.52

This route takes you through more rural roads, following IL-23 S before connecting to I-80 W. Although it offers a slightly longer travel time, the landscapes can be quite picturesque.

Cost Breakdown

With this route covering around 70 miles, the gas calculation follows similar reasoning. Assuming the same vehicle mileage of 25 mpg, you would calculate:

  • Gas needed: 70 miles / 25 mpg = 2.8 gallons
  • Cost of gas: 2.8 gallons x $3.40 = approximately $9.52

Route 3: I-39 S to I-55 S (via US-30 E)

Distance: Approximately 72 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cost Estimate: $10.05

The third route involves taking I-39 S initially, then switching to I-55 S, with a brief detour on US-30 E. This route offers a mix of interstate and local roads, ideal for those who enjoy a change of scenery along the way.

Cost Breakdown

With a total distance of about 72 miles, following similar mileage predictions and gas prices yields:

  • Gas needed: 72 miles / 25 mpg = 2.88 gallons
  • Cost of gas: 2.88 gallons x $3.40 = approximately $9.79

Analysis of Routes

After evaluating the three suggested routes, we can summarize their costs and driving times:

  • Route 1 (I-88 E to I-55 S):

    • Distance: 66 miles
    • Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Cost: $8.96

  • Route 2 (IL-23 S to I-80 W):

    • Distance: 70 miles
    • Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    • Cost: $9.52

  • Route 3 (I-39 S to I-55 S via US-30 E):

    • Distance: 72 miles
    • Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
    • Cost: $9.79

The best route based on distance, traffic conditions, and cost is Route 1, taking I-88 E to I-55 S. It is the shortest and least expensive, allowing travelers to save time and money for the journey.

Additional Factors to Consider

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

The fuel efficiency of your vehicle plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of your trip. Vehicles with higher mpg ratings will naturally incur lower fuel expenses. For example, a car achieving 30 mpg would use significantly less gas, costing considerably less than a vehicle that averages only 20 mpg.

Tolls

While planning your trip, consider possible toll expenses. Routes that utilize expressways may include tolls that could add to your overall cost. For example, I-88 has specific toll sections, which may mean an additional $3 to $5 depending on the entry and exit points. Always check for toll rates in advance.

Time of Day

Traveling during peak hours can slow down your average speed, impacting your travel time. If you can, plan your trip during off-peak hours to avoid traffic jams, making your trip faster and potentially more fuel-efficient.

Weather Conditions

Weather can significantly affect driving times and fuel consumption. Rain, snow, or icy conditions can slow down your pace and increase fuel usage due to frequent acceleration and deceleration. Always check weather forecasts before embarking on your trip, as conditions can alter driving plans.

Conclusion

In summary, a trip between DeKalb, Illinois, and Joliet, Illinois, can be efficiently executed in about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the I-88 E to I-55 S route, covering a distance of approximately 66 miles. With an estimated gas cost of around $8.96, this route provides not only optimal travel time but also cost-effectiveness. Whether you’re heading to Joliet for a weekend getaway or routine errands, choosing this route will save you time and money, allowing you to enjoy your trip more fully.