The Cost of Driving From Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio

Planning a road trip from one city to another can be an exciting adventure. But before you hit the open road, it's essential to consider the cost of fuel and tolls. In this blog post, we will explore different routes from Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the distances, times, and costs associated with each route.

Route 1: The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for a picturesque journey, this route is perfect for you. The distance from Chicago to Columbus via this scenic route is approximately 370 miles. With an average driving speed of 65 mph, you can expect the trip to take around 5.5 hours.

Now, let's talk about the cost. At the time of writing, the average gas price is $3.50 per gallon. Considering an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 14.8 gallons of gas to complete the trip. Therefore, the cost of fuel for this route would be approximately $51.80.

This route does not have any toll roads, making it a cost-effective choice for your journey.

Route 2: The Expressway Route

If you prefer a faster route with more highway driving, this option is for you. The distance from Chicago to Columbus via this route is approximately 350 miles. Driving at an average speed of 70 mph, you can expect to reach your destination in about 5 hours.

Now, let's talk numbers. With the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 14 gallons of gas. This makes the cost of fuel for this route approximately $49.00.

On this route, there are two toll roads you'll encounter; the Indiana Toll Road and the Ohio Turnpike. The total toll cost for this route is approximately $12.50.

Route 3: The Affordable Route

For those on a budget, this route offers the best compromise between cost and time. The distance from Chicago to Columbus via this route is approximately 360 miles. With an average driving speed of 60 mph, you can expect to arrive in Columbus in approximately 6 hours.

Now, let's calculate the cost. Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency as mentioned before, you will need around 14.4 gallons of gas. This results in a fuel cost of approximately $50.40.

This route includes one toll road, the Skyway Toll Bridge, which costs approximately $5.00.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of driving from Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio depends on the route you choose. The scenic route has a distance of 370 miles, takes approximately 5.5 hours, and costs around $51.80 in fuel. The expressway route covers a distance of 350 miles, takes around 5 hours, and incurs fuel costs of approximately $49.00, plus toll fees of about $12.50. Lastly, the affordable route spans 360 miles, takes approximately 6 hours, and has fuel costs of about $50.40, plus a toll fee of $5.00.

Remember to consider your preferences for time, cost, and scenery when deciding the best route for your road trip. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!