The Cost of a Trip Between Corpus Christi, Texas and Chicago, Illinois: A Comparison of Routes Based on Current Gas Prices
When planning a road trip from Corpus Christi, Texas to Chicago, Illinois, one of the biggest factors to consider is the cost of fuel. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's important to analyze the potential routes and their associated costs before hitting the road. In this article, we'll compare the cost of driving various routes between Corpus Christi and Chicago, taking into account the distance, current gas prices, and other factors that may impact overall travel expenses.
Route 1: I-35 N and I-35E N
One of the most popular routes from Corpus Christi to Chicago is to take I-35 N and then switch to I-35E N once reaching Dallas. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,146 miles.
Based on the current average gas prices in Texas and Illinois, which are $2.60 and $3.10 per gallon, respectively, a vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon will consume around 46 gallons of gas for the entire trip. The total cost for gas on this route would be approximately $119.60.
Route 2: I-37 N and I-44 E
Another option is to take I-37 N and then switch to I-44 E once reaching Oklahoma City. This route covers a distance of around 1,217 miles.
Using the same average gas prices and fuel economy as in the previous route, the total cost for gas on this route would be slightly higher, coming in at approximately $126.31.
Route 3: US-77 N and I-57 N
For a more scenic route, some travelers may opt to take US-77 N and then switch to I-57 N once reaching Missouri. This route spans a distance of approximately 1,235 miles.
Based on the current gas prices and fuel economy, the total cost for gas on this route would be slightly higher than the previous two routes, amounting to around $128.33.
Route 4: I-69 N and I-65 N
Finally, another route to consider is taking I-69 N and then switching to I-65 N once reaching Indianapolis. This route covers a distance of about 1,303 miles.
Using the same gas prices and fuel economy, the total cost for gas on this route would be the highest among the options, coming in at approximately $134.95.
Recommended Route: I-35 N and I-35E N
After comparing the various routes and their associated costs, it's clear that taking I-35 N and then switching to I-35E N once reaching Dallas is the most cost-effective option for travelers making the journey from Corpus Christi to Chicago. Not only does this route offer the lowest total cost for gas, but it also covers the shortest distance, making it an efficient choice for those looking to save on travel expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most cost-effective route for a road trip from Corpus Christi, Texas to Chicago, Illinois is to take I-35 N and then switch to I-35E N. With current gas prices in mind, the total cost for gas on this route is approximately $119.60 for the entire trip. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,146 miles and offers a balance of efficiency and affordability, making it the top choice for budget-conscious travelers. Ultimately, the journey from Corpus Christi to Chicago via this route will take around 17-18 hours, providing a relatively quick and cost-effective road trip experience.