The Cost of Driving from Decatur, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Decatur, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan? You're in for quite the adventure! Not only will you get a chance to experience the beautiful landscapes along the way, but you'll also want to keep an eye on your budget. In this post, we’ll break down the cost of different routes you can take, considering current gas prices, toll costs, and the time it will take to reach your destination.

Route 1: I-55 N and I-69 N

The first route is quite popular, as it offers a combination of highway access and beautiful scenery. Taking I-55 N and I-69 N, you'll cover a distance of approximately 280 miles. This journey typically takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes without heavy traffic.

Now, let’s talk about costs. With current gas prices averaging about $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 11.2 gallons of gas. Doing a little math, that brings your total gas cost to around $39.20. Fortunately, there are no significant tolls on this route, so you won’t have to worry about additional costs there!

Distance: 280 miles
Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Gas Cost: $39.20
Toll Costs: $0

Route 2: I-70 E and I-75 N

Another excellent option is to take I-70 E and I-75 N. This route covers about 350 miles and usually takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete, depending on traffic conditions.

With gas prices remaining steady at $3.50 per gallon, if your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 14 gallons for this leg of the journey. That means you’re looking at a gas cost of about $49.00. Unlike the first route, this path may involve a few tolls, averaging around $10. So, your total cost for this trip will be about $59.00 when you factor everything in.

Distance: 350 miles
Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Gas Cost: $49.00
Toll Costs: $10

Route 3: I-80 E and I-75 N

The last route we’ll explore is I-80 E and I-75 N. This pathway stretches for about 320 miles and typically takes just under 5 hours.

Assuming you’re still facing the same $3.50 per gallon gas prices and your vehicle’s efficiency is holding strong at 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 12.8 gallons of gas. This translates to a cost of around $44.80 for fuel. As with the second route, this one also involves tolls, so plan for about $12 in toll fees.

Your grand total for this drive would then be around $56.80.

Distance: 320 miles
Time: 5 hours
Gas Cost: $44.80
Toll Costs: $12

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, driving from Decatur, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan can be both exciting and cost-effective. From scenic views to the thrill of road trips, you'll find lots of enjoyment on the way. Keep these costs in mind as you plan your journey, and don’t forget to check for any updates on gas prices and tolls before hitting the road. Happy travels!