Driving Cost from Deadwood, South Dakota to Lisle, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Deadwood, SD to Lisle, IL: A Detailed Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip can bring excitement and anticipation, but it also requires thoughtful consideration of various factors, particularly costs. If you're contemplating a journey from Deadwood, South Dakota, to Lisle, Illinois, you must look at the potential routes you can take and how current gas prices will impact your travel budget. Here, we analyze different routes, their distances, costs, and the most economical way to get there.

Overview of the Trip

The distance between Deadwood, SD, and Lisle, IL, is approximately 570 miles. Depending on your route choice and driving habits, costs can vary significantly. The current average price for regular gasoline in the U.S. is approximately $3.50 per gallon.

Estimating Gas Costs

To accurately estimate your gas costs, it's essential to know your vehicle's fuel efficiency. A vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon would require about 23 gallons of gas for a 570-mile journey. In contrast, if you drive a car that gets 30 miles per gallon, you’ll use roughly 19 gallons of gas.

Here’s how to calculate your gas cost based on fuel efficiency:

  1. Distance: 570 miles
  2. Average MPG: (Choose either 25 or 30 for our examples)
  3. Gas Price: $3.50 per gallon

At 25 MPG:

  • Total gallons needed: 570 / 25 = 22.8 gallons
  • Total gas cost: 22.8 * $3.50 = $79.80

At 30 MPG:

  • Total gallons needed: 570 / 30 = 19 gallons
  • Total gas cost: 19 * $3.50 = $66.50

Now that we’ve established a framework for gas costs, let’s explore the different routes you can take from Deadwood to Lisle.

Route Options

Route One: I-90 E

This is the more direct route and takes approximately 8 hours of driving time, covering about 570 miles. Travelers would start by getting on I-90 E from Deadwood. The scenery along this route showcases the beauty of South Dakota and the landscapes of Chicago.

  1. Distance: 570 miles
  2. Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
  3. Gas Cost:
    • At 25 MPG: $79.80
    • At 30 MPG: $66.50

Route Two: I-94 E and I-90 E

An alternative is to make your way east via I-94 E before switching back onto I-90 E. This route is slightly longer, hitting around 600 miles, but offers stunning views of both Black Hills and the North Dakota landscape before heading back down through Minnesota.

  1. Distance: 600 miles
  2. Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours
  3. Gas Cost:
    • At 25 MPG: $84.00
    • At 30 MPG: $70.00

Route Three: I-80 E

For those wishing to take a more southern route, I-80 E offers a scenic journey through a variety of landscapes. This route is about 640 miles and allows travelers to pass through Omaha, Nebraska, and skip some of the tighter turns and higher mountains found in the first two routes.

  1. Distance: 640 miles
  2. Estimated Travel Time: 9.5 hours
  3. Gas Cost:
    • At 25 MPG: $89.60
    • At 30 MPG: $74.80

Comparison of Routes

When you compare the three routes, the most direct option is the fastest and most fuel-efficient. Here’s a quick summary:

  • Route One (I-90 E): 570 miles, 8 hours, $66.50-$79.80
  • Route Two (I-94 E and I-90 E): 600 miles, 9 hours, $70.00-$84.00
  • Route Three (I-80 E): 640 miles, 9.5 hours, $74.80-$89.60

After considering all options, Route One (I-90 E) stands out as the best route from Deadwood to Lisle. It is not only the shortest distance, but it also allows for a more manageable driving time. Plus, the costs associated with the trip are lower compared to the other two routes, making it the most economical choice. Take time to stop at notable attractions along the way, including Mount Rushmore and the varied landscapes of the Midwest.

Additional Costs to Consider

When calculating the overall cost of your trip, gas is just one factor. Here are other costs to consider:

  1. Meals: Depending on the duration of your trip and meal preferences, this can add significantly to your expenses. Budget around $10-$15 per meal, which will quickly add up during a full day of travel.

  2. Accommodation: If you require an overnight stop, consider the price range of hotels along your route. Expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 per night, depending on your choice of lodging.

  3. Tolls: State highways and certain routes (like toll roads) might incur additional costs. Be prepared for possible tolls, especially near metropolitan areas in Illinois.

  4. Miscellaneous Expenses: This includes snacks, drinks, and any activities you wish to enjoy along the way.

When you budget for these additional costs, your overall trip expense can grow considerably, so it’s wise to plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Your road trip from Deadwood, South Dakota, to Lisle, Illinois, can present you with beautiful landscapes, exciting pit stops, and challenges that will culminate in a fantastic traveling experience. By taking Route One along I-90 E, you’ll traverse 570 miles in about 8 hours, spending approximately $66.50 to $79.80 on gas. Armed with this knowledge, plan your stops, enjoy the sights, and drive safely—the journey is as important as the destination.