The Cost of Driving from Decatur, Illinois to West Lafayette, Indiana: A Gas Price Guide
Planning a trip from Decatur, Illinois to West Lafayette, Indiana? Whether you’re visiting family, heading to Purdue University, or just want a change of scenery, it’s essential to know how much you’ll be spending on gas. With the current average gas price hovering around $3.50 per gallon, let’s explore a couple of popular routes, their distances, travel times, and costs.
Route 1: The Scenic I-74 Route
One of the most straightforward ways to reach West Lafayette is by taking the I-74 East. This route offers a blend of beautiful scenery and a smooth driving experience.
- Distance: 130 miles
- Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Cost: Now, let's break down the fuel costs. Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 5.2 gallons of gas. Multiplying that by the current price of $3.50 results in a total gas cost of about $18.20.
Additionally, this route does not have tolls, so you won't incur any extra charges for using the highways. Thus, your grand total for this route is approximately $18.20.
Route 2: The Convenient I-57 & I-65 Route
If you prefer a slightly longer yet more direct route, you might want to consider the I-57 North to I-65 North path. This option may attract you with its easy access to major highways.
- Distance: 137 miles
- Time: Roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Cost: For this journey, you'll need about 5.5 gallons of gas based on the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. At $3.50 per gallon, you’ll spend around $19.25 on gas.
However, this route includes a small toll on I-65. The average toll cost can be around $1.75, bringing your total trip cost to approximately $21.00.
Summary of Costs
To recap, here’s a quick comparison of both routes:
I-74 Route:
- Distance: 130 miles
- Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Cost: $18.20 (no tolls)
I-57 & I-65 Route:
- Distance: 137 miles
- Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Cost: $21.00 (including tolls)
No matter which route you choose, you’re looking at a reasonable price for a delightful drive between these two charming cities. So, pack your bags, hop in your car, and enjoy the journey with the knowledge of how much you’ll spend on gas. Safe travels!