Road Trip Costs: Driving from Deer Park, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri at Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip can be an exhilarating experience, especially when it leads you to a vibrant city like St. Louis, Missouri! If you're gearing up for this journey from Deer Park, Illinois, you might be wondering about the costs involved, particularly when it comes to gas and tolls. Let’s break down your options, so you can hit the road with confidence!
Route 1: The I-55 South Route
The classic route from Deer Park to St. Louis is via I-55 South. This well-traveled highway takes you through some picturesque landscapes and is often the fastest option.
- Distance: Approximately 300 miles
- Time: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Gas Costs: Given the current average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 12 gallons of gas. That brings your total gas cost to about $42.
- Toll Costs: Thankfully, this route is toll-free, which is a bonus for budget travelers!
This route offers a straightforward drive, making it a popular choice for many travelers.
Route 2: Scenic I-80 and I-55 Route
If you've got a little extra time and want to enjoy some scenic views, consider taking I-80 East before merging onto I-55 South. This route may add some distance but is worth it for the change of scenery.
- Distance: Approximately 325 miles
- Time: Roughly 5 hours
- Gas Costs: With the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and maintaining that 25 miles per gallon efficiency, you would use about 13 gallons of gas. This brings your gas expenditure to about $45.50.
- Toll Costs: There are some minor tolls along this route, amounting to approximately $5.
Although this option extends your drive, you'll be rewarded with some lovely sights along the way!
Route 3: The I-90 to I-55 Route
Another interesting route involves taking I-90 West before connecting to I-55 South. This route can be ideal during specific travel dates, adding a different perspective to your road trip.
- Distance: Around 310 miles
- Time: Takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes
- Gas Costs: At the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle's 25 miles per gallon, you’ll again be looking at roughly 12.5 gallons. Consequently, this would translate to about $43.75 in gas costs.
- Toll Costs: Similar to the previous routes, you may encounter a few minor tolls, which might cost you around $3.
This route provides a balance between speed and scenery, making it a great second choice!
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, your road trip from Deer Park to St. Louis can be a budget-friendly journey. Depending on the route you choose, you could spend anywhere from $42 to $45.50 on gas, plus any tolls you might encounter. Hence, total travel costs are quite manageable for a lovely trip to St. Louis!
So whether you're looking to save time or enjoy the sights, there’s a route just right for you. Pack up your vehicle, grab some snacks, and enjoy the ride—St. Louis is waiting for you! Safe travels!