Driving Cost from Boston, Massachusetts to Chicago, Illinois

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The Cost of a Road-Trip from Boston to Chicago: Mapping the Route Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road-trip from Boston to Chicago? If yes, this article will help you map your route based on current gas prices and discover the costs of getting there. Driving from Boston to Chicago is a long and rewarding journey that takes you across several major cities, historic towns, and scenic landscapes. However, before you embark on this adventure, you need to know the best routes, the distances, the travel time, and most importantly, the cost of gas. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes from Boston to Chicago, highlight the cost and the distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Boston to Chicago by Car

The distance between Boston, Massachusetts, and Chicago, Illinois, is approximately 996 miles, which translates to around 16 hours of driving time without stops. Of course, no one can drive for 16 hours straight, so you need to plan your breaks, meals, and accommodations in advance. The best time to travel from Boston to Chicago is during the summer (June through August), when the weather is mild, and the roads are less congested. However, keep in mind that summer is also the peak travel season, so prices may be higher than other times of the year.

Route Options

There are several route options to get from Boston to Chicago, depending on your preferences, driving skills, and travel budget. Here are the most common routes, their distance, and estimated driving time:

Route 1: I-90 W

This route takes you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana before reaching Chicago. The total distance is approximately 1,008 miles, and the driving time is around 15 hours and 45 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $162.32 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Route 2: I-80 W

This route takes you through Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana before reaching Chicago. The total distance is approximately 963 miles, and the driving time is around 15 hours and 10 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $159.12 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Route 3: I-86 W and I-90 W

This route takes you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana before reaching Chicago. The total distance is approximately 1,026 miles, and the driving time is around 16 hours and 5 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $165.62 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Route 4: I-90 W and I-94 W

This route takes you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan before reaching Chicago. The total distance is approximately 1,054 miles, and the driving time is around 16 hours and 35 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $170.01 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Route 5: I-84 W, I-90 W, and I-80 W

This route takes you through Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before reaching Chicago. The total distance is approximately 1,095 miles, and the driving time is around 17 hours and 20 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $177.01 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.

Based on the above routes and current gas prices, the best route from Boston to Chicago is Route 2: I-80 W. This route is the shortest and most direct option, with a total distance of approximately 963 miles and a driving time of around 15 hours and 10 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $159.12 based on the current gas prices of $3.02/gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Although it may not be the most scenic route, it is the most cost-effective and time-efficient option.

Conclusion

Driving from Boston to Chicago is a long and rewarding journey that requires proper planning, budgeting, and time-management. There are several route options, each with its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences, driving skills, and travel budget. Based on current gas prices, we recommend Route 2: I-80 W as the best route from Boston to Chicago, with a total distance of approximately 963 miles and a driving time of around 15 hours and 10 minutes without stops. The cost of gas for this route is estimated at around $159.12. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime from Boston to Chicago by car.