Driving Cost from Dothan, Alabama to Chicago, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Dothan, Alabama to Chicago, Illinois: A Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dothan, Alabama, to the Windy City? You’re in for a scenic adventure filled with the joys of the open road. However, figuring out the cost of gas can be daunting. Let’s break down the common driving routes, their distances, estimated travel times, and, of course, the costs involved. With current gas prices averaging around $3.50 per gallon, it’s time to crunch some numbers.

Route 1: Through Birmingham and Nashville

Starting off, the most popular route takes you through Birmingham, AL, and Nashville, TN. This route offers a mix of charming Southern cities and the lively atmosphere of Music City.

  • Distance: Approximately 550 miles
  • Time: Around 8 hours
  • Gas Cost: Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 22 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, the total gas cost will be approximately $77.
  • Toll Cost: There are minimal tolls on this route, estimated around $5.

So, driving this route, your total cost for gas and tolls would be around $82.

Route 2: The Direct Route via Interstate 65

For a more straightforward journey, you can take Interstate 65 directly up to Chicago. This route is efficient and boasts beautiful landscapes reflecting the charm of the Southern and Midwestern states.

  • Distance: Approximately 580 miles
  • Time: Roughly 8.5 hours
  • Gas Cost: With the same vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 23 gallons. This gives a gas cost of about $80.50.
  • Toll Cost: This route has some tolls, particularly through Indiana, totaling approximately $10.

Therefore, your total cost for this route would be around $90.50.

Route 3: A Scenic Journey via Memphis

For those looking to add a bit of adventure to their road trip, consider taking a detour through Memphis, TN. Although it extends your drive, the musical history and delicious BBQ might be worth the time.

  • Distance: Approximately 650 miles
  • Time: About 10 hours
  • Gas Cost: For this 650-mile journey, you will consume around 26 gallons of gas, costing about $91.
  • Toll Cost: There are no major tolls on this route, so you can celebrate that small victory!

In total, driving this scenic detour would amount to around $91 for gas alone.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Dothan, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, greatly depends on the route you choose. The first route via Birmingham and Nashville offers the most economical choice at around $82, while the direct interstate route costs about $90.50. If you decide to venture through Memphis, be prepared to spend around $91, but you’ll also enjoy some great sights along the way. Whichever route you choose, load up your playlists and hit the road—adventure awaits!