Driving Cost from Delaware, Ohio to South Bend, Indiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Delaware, Ohio to South Bend, Indiana Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Delaware, Ohio to South Bend, Indiana? This guide will help you understand the costs involved, focusing primarily on fuel expenses, while also discussing potential routes. With gas prices fluctuating, knowing your travel expenses before hitting the road is crucial for budgeting and ensuring a smooth journey.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into costs and distances, it’s essential to know the current gas prices. As of now, the average gas price in Ohio is around $3.55 per gallon, while in Indiana, it’s approximately $3.49 per gallon. These prices can vary based on the location along your route, but using these averages will give you a good starting point for your calculations.

Estimating Fuel Efficiency

Assuming you drive a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon, you can calculate the fuel costs effectively. The distance from Delaware, Ohio to South Bend, Indiana is roughly 200 miles, which means you will need about 8 gallons of gas for the trip.

Calculating Costs

With the average gas price of $3.55 per gallon, fuel costs for your trip would look something like this:

  • Gas needed: 8 gallons
  • Gas price: $3.55 per gallon
  • Total fuel cost: 8 gallons * $3.55 = $28.40

If you find yourself in Indiana and purchase gas at $3.49 per gallon, the cost would drop slightly:

  • Gas price: $3.49 per gallon
  • Total fuel cost: 8 gallons * $3.49 = $27.92

No matter the station, your total fuel expenditure will land between $27.92 to $28.40 for a one-way trip.

Routes

You have various options when traveling from Delaware to South Bend. Let’s explore each one.

Route 1: I-70 W and I-69 N

  • Distance: Approximately 200 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 3 hours
  • Description: This route primarily uses interstate highways, which provide smooth and faster travel. You'll head west on I-70, then switch to I-69 North, and finally connect to IN-933 to reach South Bend.

Pros:

  • Fast interstate travel.
  • Fewer stops and consistent speed.

Cons:

  • Can be busy with truck traffic.

Route 2: US-23 N and US-20 W

  • Distance: Approximately 210 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 3.5 hours
  • Description: This route offers a more scenic drive through rural Ohio and northern Indiana. You will take US-23 North out of Delaware and follow it to US-20 West into South Bend.

Pros:

  • Rural views and less congested roads.
  • Opportunities to stop at local attractions.

Cons:

  • Slightly longer travel time.
  • Less consistent speed limits.

Route 3: I-270 W to I-65 N

  • Distance: Approximately 215 miles
  • Estimated Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours
  • Description: This alternative route takes you through Columbus on I-270 and then I-65 North into Indiana, followed by US-20 into South Bend.

Pros:

  • Access to urban amenities and rest stops.
  • Great for those wanting to explore Columbus.

Cons:

  • Greater distance, which leads to higher fuel costs and travel time.

After considering the three options, the I-70 W and I-69 N route emerges as the best choice for most travelers. It balances speed, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness. With only approximately 200 miles and around 3 hours of travel time, it minimizes your fuel expenses significantly while providing safe and reliable interstate travel.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While gas prices constitute the bulk of your travel expenses, several other factors can affect the overall cost of your trip. These can include:

Tolls

Plan for potential tolls along your route. If you take the I-70 route, you may encounter minimal tolls depending on your exact entry and exit points. It's best to check for local toll roads ahead of time and budget accordingly.

Food and Refreshments

Consider packing snacks and drinks to save money compared to buying food on the road. However, if you stop along the way for meals, consider budgeting an additional $20-$40 for food.

Rest Stops

In addition to meals, don’t forget to factor in the time and cost associated with rest stops. Stopping for bathroom breaks and short stretches is essential, especially on longer drives.

Conclusion

The trip from Delaware, Ohio to South Bend, Indiana offers a balanced blend of speed, scenery, and cost-effectiveness when you choose the I-70 W and I-69 N route. Covering approximately 200 miles, you can expect to spend about $27.92 to $28.40 on fuel, assuming average gas prices. The journey takes around 3 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable road trip with scenic views and the opportunity to explore local attractions along the way. Plan ahead and enjoy your trip!