The Cost of Driving from Altoona, Wisconsin to Champaign, Illinois

If you're planning a road trip from Altoona, Wisconsin, to Champaign, Illinois, you're in luck! It's a beautiful route full of scenic views, small towns, and plenty of opportunities to explore. However, before you hit the road, it's important to know what you're getting yourself into when it comes to the cost of gas, tolls, and other expenses.

The Route via I-94 West

The first route we'll explore is the path via I-94 West. This route covers a distance of approximately 408 miles and takes around 6 hours and 45 minutes to drive. Along the way, you'll pass through several major cities, including Milwaukee and Madison.

If you plan to takes this route, you'll need to budget for gas, tolls, and food. According to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report, the average gas price in Wisconsin is around $2.90 per gallon, and in Illinois, it's around $2.79 per gallon. Assuming you have a car that gets around 25 miles per gallon, you'll need roughly 16 gallons of gas for the whole trip. This means you're looking at a fuel cost of around $46.40.

As for tolls, you'll need to pay around $10 in Wisconsin and $11 in Illinois, assuming you take the Chicago Skyway. Be sure to bring some cash or a credit card, as tolls are usually not free.

The Route via I-90 West

Another route you could take is via I-90 West. This path covers a distance of approximately 440 miles and takes around 7 hours and 15 minutes to drive. This route also passes through Madison and a few other smaller towns.

Again, you'll need to budget for gas, tolls, and other expenses. Following the same assumptions as above, you'll need approximately 17.6 gallons of gas, which equates to a fuel cost of around $51.04. Additionally, you'll need to pay around $13 in tolls, including the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway in Illinois.

The Route via US-14 West and I-39 South

Finally, you could also take US-14 West and I-39 South. This route covers a distance of approximately 464 miles and takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes to drive. While this route is a bit longer, it's also less trafficked and passes through some beautiful rural areas.

To budget for this route, you'll again need to take into account gas, tolls, and other expenses. Based on the same assumptions as above, you'll need approximately 18.6 gallons of gas, which equates to a fuel cost of around $53.94. Additionally, you'll need to pay around $10 in tolls, including the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway again.

Conclusion

As you can see, the cost of driving from Altoona, Wisconsin, to Champaign, Illinois, varies depending on the route you take. With gas prices fluctuating and tolls adding up, it's important to budget accordingly. However, with a little planning and foresight, you can enjoy a beautiful road trip through the heartland without breaking the bank.