Driving Cost from Des Plaines, Illinois to Park Forest, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip from Des Plaines to Park Forest, Illinois Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Plaines to Park Forest in Illinois involves more than just picking out a playlist or deciding where to stop for snacks. Understanding the costs associated with the journey can help you budget effectively. This article breaks down the cost of driving from Des Plaines to Park Forest, exploring various routes and their respective distances, as well as the costs associated with gas.

Overview of the Trip

Des Plaines and Park Forest sit at opposite ends of the Chicago metropolitan area. The distance between them is roughly 40 miles, depending on the route you choose. As of 2023, average gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon. For a trip like this, factors such as fuel efficiency of your vehicle, current gas prices, and the route taken can significantly influence your overall travel costs.

Possible Routes

There are a few major routes that connect Des Plaines to Park Forest, each varying in distance, travel time, and, importantly, gas costs. Below are the three primary routes that travelers typically consider.

Route 1: Via I-90 E and I-57 S

  • Distance: Approximately 42 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (depending on traffic)
  • Gas Cost Estimate: $14.70

Take I-90 E from Des Plaines and follow it until you merge onto I-57 S. Continue on I-57 S until you reach the Sockel Road exit, and then take local roads into Park Forest.

This route offers a relatively straightforward drive but can be affected by traffic conditions, especially during rush hour. In congested areas, plan for additional time.

Route 2: Via I-294 S (Tri-State Tollway)

  • Distance: Approximately 44 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Gas Cost Estimate: $15.40

In this route, you'll take the I-294 S, a toll road that often provides a faster travel experience given the heavy traffic on I-90. You merge onto I-57 S near Tinley Park to reach Park Forest.

Although it’s a bit longer in mileage, the toll road can be a time-saver while providing a smoother drive. However, remember to factor in toll costs, which range from $0.50 to $5.00 depending on entry and exit points.

Route 3: Via US-45 S (LaGrange Road)

  • Distance: Approximately 38 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Gas Cost Estimate: $13.30

This route cuts through smaller towns and suburban landscapes, providing some scenic views and potential stops. Begin by taking US-45 S from Des Plaines, connecting with local roads to navigate through Oak Park and Oak Forest before reaching Park Forest.

While this option offers a more leisurely drive, be prepared for potentially slower traffic in residential areas.

Analyzing Fuel Costs

To get a better understanding of actual travel costs, let's perform a sample calculation. Assuming an average vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the trip would require:

  • Route 1: 42 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 1.68 gallons; Cost: 1.68 gallons x $3.50 = $5.88
  • Route 2: 44 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 1.76 gallons; Cost: 1.76 gallons x $3.50 = $6.16
  • Route 3: 38 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 1.52 gallons; Cost: 1.52 gallons x $3.50 = $5.32

Based on fuel efficiency alone, Route 3 is the cheapest option in terms of fuel cost. However, consider additional factors like time and convenience while evaluating the best route for your trip.

Tolls and Additional Charges

When driving on the toll road via Route 2, remember to add toll costs to your budget. The most common toll points along I-294 can add anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 to your total trip cost in either direction, depending on where you enter and exit.

Example Calculation with Tolls:

  • Total Cost for Route 2 (With Tolls):
    • Gas: $6.16
    • Toll Costs: $3.00
    • Total: $9.16

Depending on your route choice and the rate of tolls, your costs can fluctuate accordingly.

Recommendation: The Best Route

After considering fuel costs, distance, and practical travel time, Route 1 (via I-90 E and I-57 S) stands out as the best choice for this trip. It combines a reasonable distance with a significant time advantage, usually avoiding the heaviest traffic areas while keeping gas costs manageable.

Moreover, taking I-90 E to I-57 S provides access to some of the city’s most popular amenities along the way, making it a perfect fit for travelers who want both speed and convenience.

Conclusion

Traveling from Des Plaines to Park Forest offers a blend of scenic views and busy highways, encompassing a distance of roughly 40 miles. After considering the possible routes, fuel costs, and travel times, the journey can be completed in approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the chosen path. Overall, expect to spend between $5.32 and $15.40 in gas, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the route you select. By choosing the I-90 E and I-57 S route, you can enjoy the quickest and most cost-effective journey while still being able to stop for refreshments along the way.