The Cost of Driving from Downers Grove, Illinois to Hamilton, Massachusetts: A Road Trip Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Downers Grove, Illinois, to Hamilton, Massachusetts? With a distance of about 1,000 miles, it's essential to map out your route, time, and, of course, your budget! Let's dive into the various routes you can take and break down the costs based on current gas prices. As of now, gas prices are hovering around $3.50 per gallon.
Route 1: I-80 East to I-90 East
The first option is to take I-80 East to I-90 East. This route is straightforward and well-traveled, making it a favorite among many road trippers.
- Distance: Approximately 1,045 miles
- Time: Roughly 16 hours
- Estimated Fuel Cost: Given that your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 42 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, expect to spend around $147 on gas.
Additionally, keep in mind that there might be tolls along this route, which typically amount to around $30. So, if you're calculating the total cost, you're looking at a grand total of approximately $177 for this route.
To sum it up, this option is efficient, and the combination of distance and travel time is reasonable for anyone embarking on this cross-country expedition.
Route 2: I-90 East (Massachusetts Turnpike)
Another route worth considering is the I-90 East, also known as the Massachusetts Turnpike. This route offers beautiful views, making the journey a bit more scenic.
- Distance: About 1,025 miles
- Time: Approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes
- Estimated Fuel Cost: For this route, with the same vehicle mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need roughly 41 gallons of gas. At $3.50 per gallon, your gas cost will be about $144.
Keep in mind that the Massachusetts Turnpike does have tolls, and you will likely pay around $15 on this leg of the journey. Altogether, you would spend about $159 for this route.
This option may save you a bit of time and money while still providing a pleasant driving experience, so it’s worth considering!
Route 3: I-70 East to I-95 North
For those who enjoy more varied landscapes, consider taking I-70 East to I-95 North. While this route takes you slightly out of the way, it provides a unique experience.
- Distance: Roughly 1,100 miles
- Time: Around 17 hours
- Estimated Fuel Cost: Again, assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 44 gallons of gas, costing around $154.
This route also has tolls, particularly as you approach the northeastern states, which can add up to about $40. Therefore, you’d be looking at a total cost of around $194 for this excursion.
While this route takes a bit longer, the diverse scenery can be worth the added distance!
Conclusion
In conclusion, your journey from Downers Grove to Hamilton can vary based on your chosen route. If you prefer speed and convenience, the I-80 East to I-90 East route may be your best option, costing about $177. For a slightly shorter trip, consider I-90 East, costing around $159. Alternatively, the scenic experience on I-70 East to I-95 North comes at a higher cost of about $194 but might just make your road trip memorable.
Whichever route you choose, remember to enjoy the journey and make those pit stops! Safe travels!