Driving Cost from Delavan, Illinois to Libertyville, Illinois

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The Cost of a Trip from Delavan, Illinois to Libertyville, Illinois: Exploring Routes and Expenses

Traveling from Delavan to Libertyville, Illinois is a journey that many take for various reasons, whether for business, leisure, or family visits. Understanding the costs associated with this trip can help in planning effectively, especially given the fluctuations in gas prices. In this article, we outline different routes, their costs, and distance, and recommend the best option for your journey.

Overview of the Journey

The distance between Delavan and Libertyville is approximately 107 miles. While the primary focus revolves around driving costs, it's essential to consider factors such as traffic conditions, the choice of vehicle, and the most efficient route for your travel plans.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, average gas prices in Illinois hover around $4.00 per gallon. This price can vary slightly based on location and specific gas stations, but for budgeting purposes, using this average provides a reasonable estimate for your trip.

Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

For our calculations, we will use three common types of vehicles with differing fuel efficiencies:

  1. Economy Car: 30 miles per gallon (mpg)
  2. Standard SUV: 20 mpg
  3. Full-Size Pickup Truck: 15 mpg

Using these vehicles, we will calculate the cost of fuel for the trip, assuming the distance from Delavan to Libertyville is 107 miles.

Route Options

There are several routes you can take from Delavan to Libertyville. Upon reviewing multiple map services, we will focus on the three most common routes: Route 155 (I-55 to I-90), Route 74, and a scenic route via Route 50.

Route 1: I-55 to I-90 (Quickest Route)

Distance: 107 miles
Route: Head east on I-155, merge onto I-55N, then take I-90E.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes (with minimal traffic).
Fuel Cost Calculation:

  • Economy Car:

    • Gallons Needed: 107 miles / 30 mpg = 3.57 gallons
    • Cost: 3.57 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $14.28

  • Standard SUV:

    • Gallons Needed: 107 miles / 20 mpg = 5.35 gallons
    • Cost: 5.35 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $21.40

  • Full-Size Pickup Truck:

    • Gallons Needed: 107 miles / 15 mpg = 7.13 gallons
    • Cost: 7.13 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $28.52

Route 2: Route 74

Distance: 123 miles
Route: From Delavan, take Route 74 to merge onto I-55N, then take I-90E.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours (with moderate traffic).
Fuel Cost Calculation:

  • Economy Car:

    • Gallons Needed: 123 miles / 30 mpg = 4.10 gallons
    • Cost: 4.10 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $16.40

  • Standard SUV:

    • Gallons Needed: 123 miles / 20 mpg = 6.15 gallons
    • Cost: 6.15 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $24.60

  • Full-Size Pickup Truck:

    • Gallons Needed: 123 miles / 15 mpg = 8.20 gallons
    • Cost: 8.20 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $32.80

Route 3: Scenic Route via Route 50

Distance: 130 miles
Route: Take Route 50 to merge onto I-90E. This route provides a more scenic view but takes longer.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (subject to traffic).
Fuel Cost Calculation:

  • Economy Car:

    • Gallons Needed: 130 miles / 30 mpg = 4.33 gallons
    • Cost: 4.33 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $17.32

  • Standard SUV:

    • Gallons Needed: 130 miles / 20 mpg = 6.50 gallons
    • Cost: 6.50 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $26.00

  • Full-Size Pickup Truck:

    • Gallons Needed: 130 miles / 15 mpg = 8.67 gallons
    • Cost: 8.67 gallons × $4.00/gallon = $34.68

Summary of Costs and Times

Route Distance (miles) Economy Car Cost SUV Cost Pickup Truck Cost Estimated Time
I-55 to I-90 (Quickest) 107 $14.28 $21.40 $28.52 1 hour, 45 mins
Route 74 123 $16.40 $24.60 $32.80 2 hours
Scenic Route via Route 50 130 $17.32 $26.00 $34.68 2 hours, 15 mins

The quickest route utilizing I-55 to I-90 emerges as the best option for this trip. It provides the least distance and the lowest fuel costs, crucial factors in budgeting your travel expenses. The estimated travel time of just under two hours makes it a convenient choice for most drivers, especially those on a tight schedule.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delavan to Libertyville offers both economical and scenic options, with the quickest route of approximately 107 miles along I-55 to I-90 being the most cost-effective and timely choice. This path takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes under optimal traffic conditions, making it a suitable option for various travel needs. With fuel costs effectively managed, you can enjoy a pleasant drive without breaking the bank.