Plan your Road Trip: The Cost of Driving from Arlington Heights, IL to Mount Lebanon, PA

Are you planning a road trip from Arlington Heights, Illinois to Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania? It's always a good idea to budget and plan ahead, so we've put together some cost estimates to help you out.

Route 1: Taking the I-90 and I-76

The shortest and most direct route is taking the I-90 and I-76. This journey is approximately 550 miles and would take around 8 hours to drive. To make this journey, you'll spend around $140 for gas if your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and gas prices are at $2.60 per gallon.

However, keep in mind that the toll prices will add up. You will need to pay tolls on the I-90 and the I-76. Unless you have an EZPass, it will cost you around $80 in total for tolls. You can also calculate the tolls and plan your trip in advance using an online tool like TollGuru.

Route 2: Taking the I-94 and I-80

If you would like to avoid tolls, another route you can take is the I-94 and I-80. This journey is around 660 miles and would take around 10 hours to drive. Gas prices and the amount of gas needed will be the same as the first route, costing you approximately $140.

However, you'll save money on tolls. There are no tolls on this route, which can save you around $80 if you're not using an EZPass. Keep in mind that this route is longer and can take an extra two hours to drive.

Route 3: Taking a scenic route

If you're not in a rush and would like to enjoy a scenic journey, one option is taking a detour through Amish Country. You can make this journey by taking the I-90 and the I-79, then switching to Route 422 and Route 28. This journey is around 620 miles and will take around 10 hours to drive.

While taking a scenic route can be enjoyable, it will also increase costs. Gas prices and the amount of gas needed will be the same as the first route, costing you approximately $140. However, you'll also need to pay tolls on the I-90 and I-79. Toll prices will be around $19 for this route.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, make sure to plan ahead and budget accordingly. Factor in any detours or stops you plan to make along the way. Keep in mind that gas prices and tolls may vary, so double-check for accurate pricing. A road trip is an exciting adventure, and with proper planning, it can also be a cost-effective way to travel.