The Cost of Driving From Altoona, Pennsylvania to Crystal Lake, Illinois: A Breakdown of Your Expenses
If you're planning a road trip from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Crystal Lake, Illinois, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost of the journey. Gas prices can fluctuate, and tolls can add up quickly, so it's important to have a clear understanding of what you'll be spending before you hit the road. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Altoona to Crystal Lake via a few different routes, including the distance, time, and expense you can expect to encounter along the way.
Route 1: Taking I-80 West
This route is by far the most direct, and also the shortest at approximately 642 miles. It will take you around 10 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Altoona to Crystal Lake, as long as traffic conditions are favorable. However, this is also the most expensive route, with an estimated fuel cost of around $85.00 for a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon. Additionally, there are two toll booths on this route, which will cost you approximately $25.00 in total.
- Distance: 642 miles
- Time: 10 hours and 15 minutes
- Expense: $85.00 (fuel) + $25.00 (tolls)
Route 2: Going Through Chicago
For those who want a bit of a change of scenery, taking a route that goes through Chicago might be more appealing. This route is longer at approximately 694 miles, which will take you around 11 hours and 5 minutes to drive, including potential traffic. However, it is slightly cheaper in terms of fuel costs, totaling around $83.50 for a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon. There are also three toll booths on this route, which will cost you approximately $30.00 in total.
- Distance: 694 miles
- Time: 11 hours and 5 minutes
- Expense: $83.50 (fuel) + $30.00 (tolls)
Route 3: Taking the Scenic Route
For those who don't mind taking a bit of a more leisurely journey, the scenic route might be a good option. This route is approximately 735 miles long and will take you around 11 hours and 35 minutes to drive, including potential traffic. However, it is the least expensive of the three routes in terms of fuel cost, totaling around $82.73 for a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon. There are also no toll booths on this route, which is a bonus for those looking to save a bit of cash.
- Distance: 735 miles
- Time: 11 hours and 35 minutes
- Expense: $82.73 (fuel)
Conclusion
When planning a road trip, it's always a good idea to have a clear understanding of what kind of expenses you're likely to encounter. In terms of driving from Altoona, Pennsylvania to Crystal Lake, Illinois, there are a few different routes you can take, each with its own distance, time, and expense. While the most direct route is also the most expensive, taking the scenic route might add a few hours of driving time but can save you a few dollars on gas and tolls. Ultimately, the route you choose will depend on your priorities, but armed with this information, you can make the most informed decision possible. Safe travels!