The Cost of Driving from Alexandria, VA to Olney, IL: Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Olney, Illinois? Driving can be a great adventure, but it's important to calculate the cost of gas and tolls to help you budget for your trip. In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes, distances, time, and cost of driving from Alexandria, VA to Olney, IL based on current gas prices.

Route 1: I-70 W

The first route we'll explore is taking I-70 West all the way to Olney, IL. This route is approximately 835 miles, and it takes about 12 hours and 30 minutes to reach Olney. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Virginia is $2.75 per gallon, and in Illinois, it's $3.15 per gallon. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $167.50. Additionally, you'll encounter tolls when driving through Maryland and Ohio, which can range from $2 to $14, depending on your vehicle type and time of day.

Route 2: I-64 W & I-57 S

Another option is taking I-64 West to I-57 South. This route is approximately 780 miles, and it takes about 11 hours and 45 minutes to reach Olney. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Virginia is $2.75 per gallon, and in Illinois, it's $3.15 per gallon. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $156. In terms of tolls, there are no tolls on this route.

Route 3: I-68 W & I-79 S

The last route we'll explore is taking I-68 West to I-79 South, which is a more scenic drive through the mountains. This route is approximately 792 miles, and it takes about 12 hours and 15 minutes to reach Olney. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Virginia is $2.75 per gallon, and in Illinois, it's $3.15 per gallon. Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $158.40. There are no tolls on this route.

Conclusion

Based on current gas prices and tolls, the most cost-effective route is Route 2, which costs a total of $156 for gas and no toll fees. However, if you're looking to make the most out of your road trip and prefer a more scenic route, Route 3 may be worth the extra cost. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to take into account the cost of food, lodging, and any other expenses that may come up during your trip. Safe travels!