Exploring the Cost of Driving From Allendale, MI, to Kalamazoo, MI

Are you planning to visit a friend or have a business meeting in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and wondering how much it would cost to drive there from Allendale? Well, you're in the right place! In this post, we'll look at different routes, the distance, time, and cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Let's dive in!

Route 1: The Fastest Way

The fastest route between Allendale and Kalamazoo is via US-131 South. The distance is approximately 38 miles, and it takes about 45 minutes with normal traffic. However, keep in mind that this route includes tolls. The current toll price is $0.60/axle during peak hours and $0.50/axle during off-peak hours. Therefore, an average sedan with two axles will pay $1.20 during peak hours and $1.00 during off-peak hours.

Assuming gas prices are at the current national average of $2.87 per gallon, a vehicle that averages 25 miles per gallon will consume approximately 1.52 gallons of gas for the trip. Thus the total cost for gas will be approximately $4.36.

Adding the total toll prices to the gas cost, the total cost of taking this route will be about $5.36 during peak hours and $5.16 during off-peak hours.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

The more scenic and leisurely route between Allendale and Kalamazoo is via Blue Star Highway and M-43 West. The distance is about 47 miles, and it takes roughly an hour to drive. This route, unlike the first route, has no tolls. However, turning off the highway can mean slower traffic.

Using the same gas price estimates mentioned earlier, a car, averaging 25 miles per gallon, will consume approximately 1.88 gallons of gas, resulting in a gas cost of roughly $5.41.

Therefore, the total cost of driving this distance will be around $5.41.

Route 3: The Middle Ground Route

Lastly, there is a middle ground route that consists of taking I-196 West, followed by US-131 South. The distance is roughly 41 miles, and it takes approximately 50 minutes without traffic. This route includes no tolls.

Using the same gas price estimate as above, a car that averages 25 miles per gallon will consume approximately 1.64 gallons of gas. This leads to a gas cost of roughly $4.70.

Therefore, the total cost of driving this distance will be around $4.70.

Conclusion

In summary, the total cost to drive from Allendale, MI, to Kalamazoo, MI, depends on the route. If you drive through the charging tolls of Route 1, the total expense could range from $5.16 (off-peak hours) to $5.36 (peak hours), depending on the time and number of axles of the vehicle. The scenic Route 2 could cost around $5.41 in gas. Finally, going through the Middle Ground Route would cost approximately $4.70.

Whichever route you decide to take, remember that gas and toll prices might change depending on the time of the year and demand. Drive safely and don't forget to factor in time!