The Cost of a Trip Between Columbus, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois

When planning a trip from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois, there are several factors to consider, including the cost of transportation. One of the biggest expenses to take into account is the cost of gas. With fluctuating gas prices, it's important to carefully consider the most cost-effective route for your journey.

Possible Routes

When it comes to driving from Columbus to Chicago, there are a few different routes you can take, each with its own cost and distance considerations. The most common routes include taking I-70 W and then I-65 N, or taking I-71 N and I-70 W. The first route takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes and is about 365 miles, while the second route takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes and is around 340 miles.

Cost Analysis

To calculate the cost of the trip, we'll need to take into consideration the current average gas prices and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Based on the average fuel efficiency of a midsize car (around 25 miles per gallon), and the current average gas price in the region of $3 per gallon, we can estimate the total cost of gas for each route.

Route 1: I-70 W and then I-65 N

With a total distance of 365 miles, and given the average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need approximately 14.6 gallons of gas for this route. At $3 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $43.80.

Route 2: I-71 N and I-70 W

This route covers a total distance of 340 miles. At an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, this route would require approximately 13.6 gallons of gas. With the current average gas price of $3 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be around $40.80.

Recommendation

Based on the cost analysis, it is evident that taking Route 2, I-71 N and I-70 W, would be the more cost-effective option. Although the distance is slightly shorter than Route 1, the savings on gas make it a more affordable choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a trip from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois, it's important to factor in the cost of gas when considering your route. With the current average gas price and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, Route 2, I-71 N and I-70 W, proves to be the most cost-effective option. Taking into account the 340-mile journey and the estimated 5 hours and 45 minutes of travel time, travelers can save money while still reaching their destination in a reasonable amount of time. Safe travels!