Driving Cost from Denver, Colorado to Urbana, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Denver, Colorado, to Urbana, Illinois: A Budget Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Denver, Colorado to Urbana, Illinois is an exciting adventure! However, one critical aspect every traveler must consider is the cost of the journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore three different routes, providing insights into the distance, travel time, and gas costs associated with each. Grab your notebook, and let’s dive into the details!

Route 1: The Scenic I-70 E to I-72 E

Taking the scenic I-70 E to I-72 E route offers a beautiful journey through the heart of the Midwest.

  • Distance: Approximately 975 miles
  • Time: Around 14 hours and 30 minutes

This route will have you driving through gorgeous landscapes, making it a fantastic option if you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors along the way. Now, let’s talk about costs.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and current gas prices at around $3.50 per gallon, you’ll need about 39 gallons of fuel. That puts your total gas cost at approximately $136.50. Keep in mind that you might also encounter some tolls along the way, which can add another $20-30 to your budget.

Route 2: The Quick I-80 E

If time is of the essence, you might consider taking the quicker I-80 E route.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,020 miles
  • Time: About 14 hours and 10 minutes

This route might be a bit longer compared to the first but tends to have lighter traffic, especially if you travel during off-peak hours. Calculating your fuel costs, with the same gas prices of $3.50 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’d need roughly 41 gallons of gas. This comes to a total of approximately $143.50 for fuel. As for tolls, anticipate needing around $25 along this route.

Route 3: The Budget-Friendly I-76 E and I-70 E

Finally, for those who prefer a blend of scenery and budget, the I-76 E to I-70 E route is an excellent option.

  • Distance: Approximately 990 miles
  • Time: Estimated at 15 hours

While this route takes a little longer, the slight detour can reward you with some picturesque views and charming small towns. In terms of fuel cost, at the same figures we’ve mentioned before, you would require around 40 gallons, leading to a total of approximately $140 for gas. As this path features fewer tolls, you might only set aside about $10-15 for any small tolls you may encounter.

Conclusion

In summary, your trip from Denver to Urbana can vary significantly based on the route you choose. Whether you opt for the scenic I-70 E route, the quicker I-80 E path, or the budget-friendly I-76 E route, be mindful of your travel costs. Here’s a quick recap to make your decisions easier:

  • Route 1 (I-70 E to I-72 E): Approx. 975 miles, 14.5 hours, $136.50 gas, $20-30 tolls
  • Route 2 (I-80 E): Approx. 1,020 miles, 14.2 hours, $143.50 gas, $25 tolls
  • Route 3 (I-76 E and I-70 E): Approx. 990 miles, 15 hours, $140 gas, $10-15 tolls

As gas prices may fluctuate and other costs might pop up along your journey, it’s always a good idea to have a little cushion in your budget. Safe travels, and enjoy the ride to Urbana!