Driving Cost from Downers Grove, Illinois to Morton Grove, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

Analyzing the Cost of a Road Trip: Downers Grove, IL to Morton Grove, IL

When planning a road trip from Downers Grove to Morton Grove, understanding the costs associated with the journey is crucial, especially given fluctuating gas prices. This article breaks down different routes, distances, fuel costs, and overall recommendations for a cost-effective and efficient trip.

Overview of the Route

Downers Grove and Morton Grove are located about 30 miles apart in northeastern Illinois. The drive generally requires navigating through various suburban areas and may involve the use of multiple highways. The time spent on the trip will vary based on your chosen route, traffic conditions, and current gas prices.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price per gallon in Illinois hovers around $3.85. Keep in mind that prices may vary slightly depending on the gas station and location, but for the sake of this article, we’ll use $3.85 as the benchmark for calculations.

Calculating Fuel Costs

To determine the potential fuel costs for the trip, we first need to know the fuel efficiency (miles per gallon) of the vehicle you plan to use. For this example, let’s use an average vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon (MPG).

  1. Distance: Approximately 30 miles one way
  2. Total round trip distance: 60 miles
  3. Fuel efficiency: 25 MPG

Using this information, you can calculate the gallons of fuel needed for the round trip:

[ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} = \frac{60 \text}{25 \text} = 2.4 \text ]

Now, to find out the total fuel cost for the trip:

[ \text = \text \times \text = 2.4 \text \times 3.85 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 9.24 \text ]

So, expect to spend approximately $9.24 on fuel for a round trip from Downers Grove to Morton Grove, assuming an efficient vehicle and stable gas prices.

Route Options

Route 1: I-88 E and I-294 N

Distance: Approximately 30 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 45 minutes (variable depending on traffic)

This route utilizes the I-88 E and I-294 N highways. It’s the most straightforward and offers access to major suburban areas without much complication.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Fuel Cost: $9.24
  • Tolls: Approx. $3.00 (if using I-294)
  • Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $12.24

Route 2: I-55 N and I-90 W

Distance: Approximately 32 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour

Taking the I-55 N and then switching to I-90 W offers a route that is slightly longer. This route passes through various suburban areas, including Countryside and the western parts of Chicago.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Fuel Cost: $9.68 (based on 32 miles at 25 MPG)
  • Tolls: Approx. $4.50 (depending on the specific toll roads taken)
  • Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $14.18

Route 3: IL-83 N

Distance: Approximately 26 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 50 minutes

This route takes IL-83 N and mostly runs parallel to the I-294 route, passing through Elmhurst and Wheeling, offering a scenic drive that may be preferred by those who want to avoid busy highways.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Fuel Cost: $8.16 (based on 26 miles at 25 MPG)
  • Tolls: Minimal, if any
  • Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $8.16

Recommendation for the Best Route

After analyzing the different options, the IL-83 N route stands out as the most economical choice. It offers the least amount of fuel costs at approximately $8.16, with minimal tolls, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. While travel time may be slightly longer due to suburban traffic, the savings on fuel and tolls makes it the best choice in terms of overall travel costs.

If scenery plays a significant role in your decision-making, the IL-83 N also provides pleasant views through the suburbs, which can enhance the entire driving experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling from Downers Grove to Morton Grove is a manageable distance with a range of routes to consider. The IL-83 N is not only the most economical option but also provides a visually engaging drive. Over the course of the journey, expect to spend approximately $8.16 on fuel, with an estimated travel time of about 50 minutes. The choice of route may depend on your personal priorities, but this option ensures a cost-effective and enjoyable road trip experience.