The Cost of a Trip Between Arlington Heights, IL and Western Springs, IL based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Arlington Heights, IL, to Western Springs, IL, and wondering what the cost may be? Factors such as distance, route, and gas prices can all influence the final cost of your journey. In this article, we aim to explore the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, ultimately recommending the best route. Let's dive in!

Route 1: Using I-290 E

The first route option is to use I-290 E. This is the most direct route, and it takes approximately 1 hour to cover the 31.4 miles between these two locations. We assume that a car can travel 25 miles per gallon in the city and that a gallon of gas costs $3.19, which is the current average gas price in Illinois.

Based on these estimates, you'll need approximately 1.26 gallons of gas to complete the journey in one direction. Hence, the total cost of gas for the trip is $4.01. This is the least expensive route, thanks to the shorter distance and its directness.

Route 2: Using W Lake St

Another route option is to use W Lake St, which is the second most direct route. It is 33 miles long, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes to cover the distance. Again, assuming that a car can travel 25 miles per gallon in the city and that gas costs $3.19 a gallon.

Based on these estimates, you'll need roughly 1.32 gallons of gas to complete the journey in one direction. Therefore, the total cost of gas for the trip is $4.22, slightly more expensive than the previous route. However, it's still relatively affordable, given the distance and directness of the route.

Route 3: Using I-90 W and I-294 S

The third possible route is to use I-90 W and I-294 S, which involves taking two highways. The distance is approximately 36.1 miles, and it takes about 57 minutes to reach your destination. We're assuming that a car travelling 25 miles per gallon in the city and gas costing $3.19 a gallon, as stated earlier.

Based on these estimates, you'll require 1.44 gallons of gas to complete the journey in one direction. Hence, the total cost of gas for the trip is $4.58, slightly more than the previous route. The reason behind this is that I-294 S is a tollway and you'll have to pay a toll to use it. The tollway fee varies depending on the time of day and the type of vehicle. For instance, if you're travelling during off-peak hours and driving a car, the cost of the toll is $0.75. In addition to the gas cost, you'll need to factor in the toll fees you'll incur.

Route 4: Using W Higgins Rd and I-294 S

Another possible route is to use W Higgins Rd and I-294 S. This route is approximately 36 miles long and it takes about 1 hour and 8 minutes to reach your destination. We are assuming that a car travelling 25 miles per gallon in the city and gas costing $3.19 a gallon, as previously stated.

Based on these estimates, you'll require approximately 1.44 gallons of gas to complete the journey in one direction. Hence, the total cost of gas for the trip is $4.58, the same as the previous route. The difference between this route and the previous one is that instead of I-90 W, you'll take W Higgins Rd, which can sometimes be slower due to traffic.

The Recommended Route

After comparing the different routes, we recommend using the first route, I-290 E. It is the most direct route, and the total cost of gas for the trip is only $4.01, which is significantly lower than the other routes. The route is also less prone to traffic congestion, which can be a significant factor in saving time and money. Using W Lake St is not recommended as it's only slightly less direct than I-290 E but more expensive in terms of gas cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Arlington Heights, IL, and Western Springs, IL, can vary depending on the route taken as well as gas prices. The most direct and affordable route is I-290 E, costing approximately $4.01 in gas for the full trip. However, if traffic congestion is a concern, alternate routes such as W Lake St or I-90 W and I-294 S cost slightly more but provide a bypass alternative. Overall, it is still a relatively affordable trip, with the route choices adding some variation depending on your priorities.