Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Des Plaines, Illinois to Belvidere, Illinois Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling across Illinois presents numerous route options, each with its own cost implications. In particular, a trip from Des Plaines to Belvidere can vary in duration and expense based on your choice of roads. This article delves into the different routes available, their distances, costs, and ultimately recommends the best route based on current gas prices.
Distance and Routes Overview
The distance between Des Plaines, Illinois, and Belvidere, Illinois, is approximately 70 miles, but the variant routes you take can either shorten or lengthen your trip. Here are three possible routes:
- I-90 North (via IL-53)
- I-88 West (via IL-59)
- US-20 W
Each of these routes comes with its own sets of tolls, traffic patterns, and travel times that can affect your overall travel cost.
Route 1: I-90 North (via IL-53)
Distance: Approximately 73 miles
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic
Toll Costs: Estimate around $4.00
This route represents the most straightforward direct approach from Des Plaines to Belvidere. Starting on I-90 offers seamless access to the highway, and the route is relatively easy to navigate. Average travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, given that you encounter typical traffic conditions.
Gas Cost Calculation:
Let's consider gas prices at $3.50 per gallon. Based on the average fuel economy of a typical vehicle (25 miles per gallon), you would consume approximately 2.92 gallons of gas for the trip.
[ \text = \text \times \text = 2.92 \times 3.50 \approx 10.22 ]
Total Trip Cost:
Adding the estimated tolls, the total trip cost for this route would be about:
[ \text = \text + \text = 10.22 + 4.00 = 14.22 ]
Route 2: I-88 West (via IL-59)
Distance: Approximately 75 miles
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic
Toll Costs: Estimate around $5.00
Taking I-88 offers an alternative method of reaching Belvidere, although it is slightly longer in distance. The route may experience more congestion, especially during rush hour, which could extend your total travel time.
Gas Cost Calculation:
Utilizing the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle's fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, your consumption for this trip would be approximately:
[ \text = \frac = \frac{75}{25} = 3 ]
[ \text = 3 \times 3.50 = 10.50 ]
Total Trip Cost:
Adding the toll costs, this route would yield:
[ \text = 10.50 + 5.00 = 15.50 ]
Route 3: US-20 W
Distance: Approximately 70 miles
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes without traffic
Toll Costs: Free
This route is a pleasant option for travelers looking to avoid tolls. You will travel along US-20, offering scenic views while potentially saving on toll expenses.
Gas Cost Calculation:
Again, keeping the gas price at $3.50 and the same fuel economy, you would calculate:
[ \text = \frac = \frac{70}{25} \approx 2.8 ]
[ \text = 2.8 \times 3.50 = 9.80 ]
Total Trip Cost:
This route, being toll-free, would result in a total that reflects only the gas cost:
[ \text = 9.80 + 0.00 = 9.80 ]
Route Comparison Summary
After analyzing all three routes, here’s a side-by-side cost summary:
| Route | Distance | Estimated Travel Time | Toll Costs | Gas Cost | Total Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-90 North (IL-53) | 73 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes | $4.00 | $10.22 | $14.22 |
| I-88 West (IL-59) | 75 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes | $5.00 | $10.50 | $15.50 |
| US-20 W | 70 miles | 1 hour 20 minutes | $0.00 | $9.80 | $9.80 |
Recommendation for the Best Route
Given the analysis of each route, the best option for cost-conscious travelers is US-20 W. Not only does it eliminate toll expenses altogether, but it also offers a favorable travel time while providing beautiful landscapes along the way. With a total trip cost of approximately $9.80, you can enjoy the journey without the added financial burden of tolls and still arrive at your destination within a reasonable timeframe.
Conclusion
In summary, the trip from Des Plaines to Belvidere covers about 70 miles, with US-20 W offering the best combination of scenic travel and cost efficiency. This route generally takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and results in a total cost of approximately $9.80. For travelers looking for a beautiful and economical way to make the journey, US-20 W is certainly the most attractive option. So buckle up, enjoy the open road, and take in all that this picturesque journey has to offer!