Driving Cost from Duluth, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

Driving Cost From Duluth, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois: Analyzing Your Options Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Duluth to Chicago? Exciting! Before you rev up your engines, let’s break down the costs for this journey. With fluctuating gas prices and various routes to choose from, it’s essential to calculate the travel expenses to keep your trip budget-friendly and enjoyable.

Route 1: I-35 South to I-90 East

The most straightforward option is to take I-35 South to I-90 East. This route is approximately 420 miles long and typically takes about 6 hours, 30 minutes without heavy traffic.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Price: According to the latest data, the average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Let’s say your car gets 25 miles per gallon.
  • Total Gallons Needed: That would mean needing around 16.8 gallons for the trip.

Calculating the cost:

  • Total Fuel Cost: 16.8 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $58.80.

Additionally, don’t forget about tolls. Traveling this route will add about $5 for tolls, bringing your total estimated cost to around $63.80 for the journey.

Route 2: I-535 and US-53 to I-90 West

Another option is the I-535 and US-53 to I-90 West route. This scenic path is slightly longer, clocking in at about 440 miles and taking around 7 hours to complete.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Price: Using the same average of $3.50 per gallon.
  • Fuel Efficiency: If your vehicle maintains a mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you would require just under 17.6 gallons for this stretch.

Calculating the cost:

  • Total Fuel Cost: 17.6 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $61.60.

Toll prices on this route can vary, but expect to pay around $8. Thus, your total costs would sum up to approximately $69.60 for this scenic journey.

Route 3: I-94 South

For those who may want to venture through the heart of Wisconsin before heading into Illinois, I-94 South offers another appealing route. This option stretches approximately 460 miles and typically takes about 7 hours, 30 minutes.

Cost Breakdown

  • Gas Price: Sticking with our average of $3.50 per gallon.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Assuming again your vehicle achieves 25 miles per gallon, you would need around 18.4 gallons.

Calculating the cost:

  • Total Fuel Cost: 18.4 gallons × $3.50/gallon = $64.40.

As for tolls, this route will cost you about $6. In total, you’d be looking at roughly $70.40 for the whole trip.

Conclusion

In summary, the three routes from Duluth to Chicago offer different experiences that come with their own costs. Here’s a quick recap:

  • Route 1 (I-35 South to I-90 East): Approx. $63.80.
  • Route 2 (I-535 and US-53 to I-90 West): Approx. $69.60.
  • Route 3 (I-94 South): Approx. $70.40.

Whichever route you choose, ensuring you're mindful of those gas prices and tolls will help keep your trip on track financially. Now, grab your favorite road trip snacks, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the journey from Duluth to the Windy City! Happy travels!