The Cost of Driving From Chicago, Illinois to Boston, Massachusetts

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago to Boston? If so, you're in for an exciting adventure! Before hitting the road, it's important to have an idea of the cost involved in such a journey. In this blog post, we'll break down the various routes you can take, along with the distance, time, and cost associated with each route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-90 E & I-84 E - The Fast and Direct Route

If you're looking for the quickest way to reach Boston, taking Interstate 90 East and then following Interstate 84 East is your best bet. This route spans approximately 1,013 miles and can be covered in about 16 hours of driving time, depending on traffic conditions.

Now let's talk about the cost. With an average mileage of 27 miles per gallon and the current gas price hovering around $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $94.15 on gas for this journey. Additionally, you will encounter tolls along the way, with the total toll cost estimated to be around $44.50.

Route 2: I-80 E & I-90 E - The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for a more scenic drive, you can opt for Interstate 80 East and then switch to Interstate 90 East. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,067 miles and takes roughly 17 hours of driving time, not accounting for any sightseeing stops you may want to make along the way.

For this route, you can expect to spend about $99.83 on gas, considering the average mileage of 27 miles per gallon and the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon. Similarly, you'll need to set aside an estimated $44.50 for tolls during the trip.

Route 3: I-55 S & I-65 S & I-90 E - The Scenic and Southern Route

For those who want to explore a different side of the United States, taking Interstate 55 South, then switching to Interstate 65 South, and finally joining Interstate 90 East is an excellent choice. This route covers approximately 1,133 miles and can be covered in about 18 hours of driving time.

Considering the average mileage of 27 miles per gallon and the current gas price of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend about $105.41 on gas for this route. Toll costs remain the same at an estimated $44.50.

Route 4: I-80 E & I-90 E (via Canada) - The International Route

If you're up for an international adventure, you can consider taking Interstate 80 East and then crossing into Canada to join up with the Trans-Canada Highway, which eventually connects to Interstate 90 East in New York. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,126 miles and takes roughly 18 hours of driving time.

Calculating the cost for this route, you can expect to spend about $104.53 on gas, assuming an average mileage of 27 miles per gallon and a current gas price of $2.50 per gallon. Additionally, while crossing into Canada, you will need to pay a toll of $6.25, and on your way back into the United States, you'll encounter a toll of $3.50.

Conclusion

As you plan your road trip from Chicago to Boston, it's essential to consider the distance, time, and cost associated with each route. By calculating gas prices and toll costs, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget. Whether you choose the fast and direct route, the scenic route, the scenic and southern route, or the international route, rest assured that an incredible adventure awaits you on the road!

Safe travels!