Driving Cost from Arlington Heights, Illinois to Asheville, North Carolina

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The Cost of Driving Cross-Country: From Arlington Heights, Illinois to Asheville, North Carolina

As the warm weather approaches, many people start to plan their summer road trips. Whether it’s for the scenic views or visiting family members, cross-country driving can be both exciting and nerve-racking. However, a significant concern when undertaking a long road trip is the cost. To help you plan your trip, we’ve outlined four different routes from Arlington Heights, Illinois to Asheville, North Carolina, along with the estimated cost and travel time for each.

Route 1: The Most Direct Route

  • Distance: 643 miles
  • Time: 10 hours and 38 minutes
  • Taking the I-65S and I-40E is the most direct route to get to Asheville. While it might be the quickest route, it has no tolls, so it's also the cheapest.
  • Estimated Cost: If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and you purchase gas at the current US average of $2.89 per gallon, you will use approximately 25.7 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $74.28.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

  • Distance: 800 miles
  • Time: 12 hours and 31 minutes
  • This route, via the Blue Ridge Parkway, is much more picturesque, but also longer and slower.
  • Estimated Cost: On Route 2, you won't be using any toll roads. If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and you purchase gas at the current US average of $2.89 per gallon, you will use approximately 32 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $92.48.

Route 3: The Mountainous Route

  • Distance: 716 miles
  • Time: 12 hours and 40 minutes
  • Via this route, you get a beautiful view of the Appalachian Mountains. However, it has a limited amount of toll roads that you will encounter, making it slightly more costly and time-consuming.
  • Estimated Cost: You will need to have a budget of about $30 for the toll roads that you will encounter on the I-94 and I-77. If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and you purchase gas at the current US average of $2.89 per gallon, you will use approximately 29 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $83.81.

Route 4: The Interstate Route

  • Distance: 770 miles
  • Time: 12 hours and 10 minutes
  • The I-70W and I-64E is a more conventional route, but it also has the most toll roads, which will increase the cost and travel time.
  • Estimated Cost: You will encounter a total of $52 in tolls on the I-94, I-294, I-80, I-90, and I-77. If your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and you purchase gas at the current US average of $2.89 per gallon, you will use approximately 32 gallons of gas, costing you roughly $92.48.

When it comes to cost, the most direct route (Route 1) would be the cheapest, while the interstate route (Route 4) would be the most expensive. However, while the most direct route is the cheapest, the scenic route (Route 2) which adds an extra 157 miles, might be worth the extra expense.

Therefore, when you are planning your road trip, make sure to account for gas prices, tolls, and your preferred route. With proper planning, hitting the open road can still be an excellent way to create unforgettable memories and embrace exciting adventures.