The Cost of Driving from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois
Are you thinking about taking a road trip to the Windy City? Do you know how much it will cost you to get there? With gas prices always fluctuating and different route options available, it can be challenging to estimate travel expenses. That's why we've crunched the numbers for you! Here's everything you need to know about the cost of driving from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Chicago, Illinois.
Route 1: Taking I-94W
The most direct route from Ann Arbor to Chicago is via I-94W, which covers a distance of 277 miles. The journey usually takes about 4 and a half hours depending on traffic conditions. The cost of this trip would vary based on current gas prices and how many miles per gallon (MPG) your vehicle gets.
As of August 2021, the average gas price in Michigan is $3.16 per gallon. If your car gets 30 MPG, you would need a little over 9 gallons of gas for the trip, costing you approximately $28.44. Additionally, there's a toll of $7.90 to enter Chicago via I-90W.
Route 2: Taking US-23S and I-55W
Another possible route from Ann Arbor to Chicago would be to take US-23S and I-55W, covering a distance of 321 miles. This route usually takes about 5 and a half hours to complete, but it could be worth it for the gas savings.
As of August 2021, the average gas price in Ohio is $3.15 per gallon, less expensive than Michigan. If you get 30 MPG, you would need approximately 10.7 gallons of gas for the trip, costing you approximately $33.80. However, taking this route would avoid the $7.90 I-90W toll when entering Chicago.
Route 3: Taking I-69S and I-65N
A different option for the road trip is to take I-69S and I-65N, which spans a distance of 347 miles from Ann Arbor to Chicago. This route usually takes about 5 and a half hours to complete, but it could have the least amount of traffic compared to other routes.
As of August 2021, the average gas price in Indiana is $3.17 per gallon. With 30 MPG, you would need approximately 11.6 gallons of gas for the trip, costing you approximately $36.77. Additionally, there's a toll of $8.40 to enter Chicago via I-90W.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of driving from Ann Arbor to Chicago can vary based on different routes, gas prices, and toll fees. We hope that having this knowledge can allow you to make a better-informed decision when planning your trip. Safe travels to the Windy City, and happy adventures!