The Cost of a Trip Between Bayside, WI and East Chicago, IN
As fuel prices fluctuate, it's essential to plan a road trip's cost before undertaking it. The distance between Bayside, Wisconsin, and East Chicago, Indiana, is approximately 185 miles, and there are different travel routes available. In this article, we'll explore various routes, factors that might impact fuel costs, and recommend the cheapest route for your next trip.
Route Options
Option 1: via I-94 E and I-294 S
One of the available routes is to travel via I-94 E and I-294 S. This route is about 176 miles and takes approximately two hours and forty minutes. However, there are tolls on this road, which can increase costs.
Option 2: via I-41 S and I-65 S
Another route to consider is traveling via I-41 S and I-65 S. This route is approximately 187 miles and takes about three hours and five minutes. It's worth noting that there are no tolls on this route.
Fuel Cost Factors
Several factors can impact fuel costs, and it's essential to consider them when planning your trip. Here are a few examples:
- Fuel efficiency of the vehicle
- Fuel price
- Driving speed
- Traffic patterns
The US Energy Information Administration reports that the average fuel price for regular gas in Wisconsin is $2.23 per gallon, while in Indiana, it is $2.17 per gallon.
Cost Breakdown
Option 1
Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately seven gallons of fuel to complete the trip via I-94 E and I-294 S, which totals to $15.61.
On this route, you'll experience some tolls. The toll cost is dependent on your vehicle's size and number of axles, but for simplicity, we'll assume you have a standard passenger car, which costs $9.90 for the route.
The total cost for this route will be $25.51, including fuel and tolls.
Option 2
Using the same assumptions above for fuel efficiency and fuel cost, the fuel cost for traveling via I-41 S and I-65 S will be approximately $15.89.
On this route, there are no tolls that you'll have to pay.
The total cost for this route will be $15.89, which only includes fuel costs.
Recommendation
Based on fuel cost and the absence of tolls on the route, we recommend traveling via I-41 S and I-65 S for a cost-effective trip from Bayside, Wisconsin, to East Chicago, Indiana.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Bayside, Wisconsin, to East Chicago, Indiana, varies based on several factors, including fuel prices and the chosen route. Although I-94 E and I-294 S is shorter than I-41 S and I-65 S, it has tolls, which raise the trip's total expenses. When planning a road trip, it's crucial to consider such factors and come up with the most cost-effective plan. Upon comparing the prices, we can see that taking I-41 S and I-65 S is the most economical option. This trip would take approximately three hours and five minutes.