The Cost of Driving From Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri

Are you planning a road trip from the Windy City to the Gateway to the West? Driving from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, can be an exciting adventure filled with beautiful sights and memorable experiences. But before you hit the road, it's important to consider the cost of your trip, particularly when it comes to gas prices and toll fees. In this blog post, we'll explore the different routes you can take, the distance and time it takes to reach your destination, as well as the cost associated with each route.

Route 1: I-55 S

One of the most common routes people take when driving from Chicago to St. Louis is I-55 S. This route spans approximately 297 miles and takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Let's break down the cost.

Gas Prices: As of this writing, the average gas price in both cities is around $2.50 per gallon. Considering the average fuel economy of a car is 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 11.88 gallons of gas for this route.
Total Gas Cost: 11.88 gallons x $2.50/gallon = $29.70
Toll Fees: Along I-55 S, there are a couple of tolls you'll encounter, including the Hinsdale Oasis ($0.75) and the Pontiac Toll Plaza ($1.50). In total, you'll spend $2.25 on toll fees.

Route 2: I-55 S and IL-4 S

Another option for your journey is to take I-55 S and then switch to IL-4 S, which adds a bit more distance to your trip. This route covers approximately 323 miles and takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Let's see how the costs add up.

Gas Prices: With the same average gas price as mentioned before, you'll need approximately 12.92 gallons of gas for this extended route.
Total Gas Cost: 12.92 gallons x $2.50/gallon = $32.30
Toll Fees: Along this route, you'll encounter the same tolls as the first route, totaling $2.25.

Route 3: I-55 S and I-70 W

For a more scenic drive, you can opt for I-55 S and then switch to I-70 W. This route covers a slightly longer distance of approximately 302 miles and takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. Let's break down the costs.

Gas Prices: Again, with the average gas price, you'll need approximately 12.08 gallons of gas.
Total Gas Cost: 12.08 gallons x $2.50/gallon = $30.20
Toll Fees: Along this route, you'll encounter the same tolls as the first route, totaling $2.25.

Summary

In summary, the cost of driving from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, can vary depending on the route you choose. Let's compare the total costs:

Route 1: I-55 S

Distance: 297 miles
Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes
Total Cost: $29.70 (Gas) + $2.25 (Tolls) = $31.95

Route 2: I-55 S and IL-4 S

Distance: 323 miles
Time: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Total Cost: $32.30 (Gas) + $2.25 (Tolls) = $34.55

Route 3: I-55 S and I-70 W

Distance: 302 miles
Time: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Total Cost: $30.20 (Gas) + $2.25 (Tolls) = $32.45

So, when planning your road trip, take into account the distance, time, and cost of each route. Consider your budget, preferences, and travel goals to make the best decision for your journey. Happy travels!