Driving Cost from Buffalo Grove, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip between Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois Based on Current Gas Prices

If you are planning a trip from Buffalo Grove to Chicago, the cost of travel is one of the significant factors you should consider before hitting the road. With several possible routes and various modes of transportation available, you need to determine which transportation option and route work best for you based on distance, time, and cost.

Possible Routes

There are several ways to get from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, to Chicago, Illinois. The most common routes include:

Route 1: The I-294 S and I-94 E Route

This is the most direct, fastest, and most convenient route. If you are driving south on Route 12 out of Buffalo Grove, you will take the ramp on the right onto the I-294 South towards Indiana. From there, you will take the I-94 East towards Chicago until you exit on Lake Shore Drive. This route is about 28 miles and will take you approximately 40 minutes to get to your destination, depending on traffic.

Route 2: The IL-53 S and IL-83 S Route

This route is also relatively fast and efficient, although it is not as direct as Route 1. If you are departing from Buffalo Grove, take Route 83 South until you merge onto Route 53 South. From there, take the IL-83 South exit towards Lake Cook Road and turn left on Lake Cook Road until you merge onto Lake Shore Drive. This route is about 34 miles and will take approximately 50 minutes to get to your destination, depending on traffic.

Route 3: The I-90-I-94 Route

This route is the shortest route, but it is often the most congested due to heavy traffic. If you are departing from Buffalo Grove, take the I-90 West to the I-94 East exit and continue until you exit on Lake Shore Drive. This route is about 25 miles and will take approximately 45 minutes to get to your destination, depending on traffic.

Cost of Travel

Several factors will determine the cost of travel. Some of the most significant factors include the mode of transport, route, distance, gas prices, vehicle, and travel time. In this article, we will focus on calculating the cost of travel based on gas prices for each possible route.

For this calculation, let us assume that the average gas mileage for each vehicle is 25 mpg, and the current average gas price in Buffalo Grove is around $2.60 per gallon.

Route 1: The I-294 S and I-94 E Route

  • Distance = 28 miles
  • Gas Consumption = 1.12 gallons
  • Gas Cost = $2.92

Therefore, the total cost of travel for this route would be around $5.84 for a one-way trip.

Route 2: The IL-53 S and IL-83 S Route

  • Distance = 34 miles
  • Gas consumption = 1.36 gallons
  • Gas cost = $3.52

Therefore, the total cost of travel for this route would be around $7.04 for a one-way trip.

Route 3: The I-90-I-94 Route

  • Distance = 25 miles
  • Gas consumption = 1 gallon
  • Gas cost = $2.60

Therefore, the total cost of travel for this route would be around $2.60 for a one-way trip.

Mode of Transport

The mode of transport you choose to take for your trip between Buffalo Grove and Chicago will impact the cost of travel. Here are some of the most popular modes of transportation to consider:

Driving

Driving is the most common mode of transportation for this route. It gives you the freedom to control your travel time and saves on the cost of using ride-share apps or public transportations.

Rideshare

If you do not have a car of your own or you do not want to drive, you can use a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft. The cost of using a rideshare app between Buffalo Grove and Chicago varies depending on factors such as distance, time of day, and demand.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is the most affordable mode of transport. You can take a bus or train from Buffalo Grove to Chicago, depending on your preferred route and mode of transportation. The cost of travel varies depending on the mode of transport you choose.

Recommendation

The best and most efficient route to take is Route 1. It is also the most direct and, despite the few extra miles, will save you time and money. However, visitors should use their navigation device to check traffic before embarking on the trip, especially during rush hour, to ensure that they do not get caught up in heavy traffic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of traveling from Buffalo Grove to Chicago depends on the mode of transport, route, distance, gas prices, and vehicle. While driving remains the most convenient way to get to Chicago, using a rideshare app or public transportation may be more affordable, depending on your budget. Plan your trip accordingly to get the best deal on transportation and make the most of your time in Chicago.