Driving Cost from Decatur, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Decatur, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a road trip from Decatur, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma? You're in for an adventure! With beautiful scenery and interesting stops along the way, you’ll want to make sure your budget is in check. So, let’s break down the routes, distances, and costs involved based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-44 South

The most straightforward route is via I-44 South, which stretches approximately 545 miles. If you're itching to hit the road, this drive typically takes around 8 hours without accounting for breaks or traffic.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Prices: Assuming a current average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, your car's fuel efficiency will determine the overall cost. For example, if your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 22 gallons for the journey.
    Therefore, the cost of gas for this route will be $77.
  • Tolls: Make sure to budget for tolls on this route, which are approximately $10-15 depending on the exact stops.

Thus, the total estimated cost for driving via I-44 South will come to about $87-$92.

Route 2: I-55 to I-40

Another option is via I-55 South and then I-40 West. This route is a bit longer at about 575 miles, and it’ll take you around 9 hours of driving. However, the sights along this route can be quite enjoyable.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Prices: Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need roughly 23 gallons. This will come to about $80 for gas.
  • Tolls: This route has fewer tolls, generally costing you about $5-10.

Adding everything up, your total estimated cost for this route would land between $85-$90.

Route 3: Scenic Route via Highway 64

If you're looking to explore and don’t mind an extended drive, consider taking the scenic route via Highway 64. This option spans about 600 miles and can take about 10 hours. While it’s less direct, you’ll enjoy more rural landscapes and charming towns along the way.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Prices: Sticking with our earlier example, you'll need about 24 gallons for this route. That puts your gas cost at roughly $84.
  • Tolls: This route has minimal tolls, costing less than $5 in total.

In the end, your total cost will be around $89 for the trip, which isn’t too shabby for a leisurely drive!

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, preparing ahead will save you time and money. With current gas prices fluctuating and toll costs creeping up, it's always wise to keep an eye on your budget. To summarize:

  • I-44 South: 545 miles, 8 hours, costs approximately $87-$92.
  • I-55 to I-40: 575 miles, 9 hours, costs around $85-$90.
  • Scenic Route via Highway 64: 600 miles, 10 hours, and about $89.

Happy travels from Decatur to Tulsa, and may your road trip be filled with fun stops and beautiful views! Safe driving!