The Cost of a Trip between Belleville, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana
Introduction
Planning a trip can be an exciting experience, but it's essential to consider the cost of transportation as a significant factor in the decision-making process. For those traveling between Belleville, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana, there are several routes to choose from, each with its own costs. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and ultimately recommend the best route based on current gas prices.
Route 1: I-70 East
The first possible route to consider is taking I-70 East, which is the most direct and commonly traveled path between Belleville and Indianapolis. This route covers a distance of approximately 250 miles.
Based on the current gas prices, calculating the cost of this trip can be estimated by assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG) and the current national average gas price of $2.87 per gallon.
The total fuel cost for this route would then be:
Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Fuel Cost = (250 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = 10 * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = $28.70
Route 2: I-74 East
The second option to consider is taking I-74 East, which offers a slightly longer but possibly more scenic route. This route covers a distance of approximately 280 miles.
Using the same assumptions of an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG and the current gas price of $2.87 per gallon, the total fuel cost for this route would be:
Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Fuel Cost = (280 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = 11.20 * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = $32.16
Route 3: IL-161 East and I-65 North
Lastly, another route to consider is taking IL-161 East until reaching I-65 North, which offers a more scenic drive through Illinois before joining the interstate. This route covers a distance of approximately 310 miles.
Using the same assumptions as before, the total fuel cost for this route would be:
Fuel Cost = (Distance / MPG) * Gas Price
Fuel Cost = (310 miles / 25 MPG) * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = 12.40 * $2.87 per gallon
Fuel Cost = $35.63
Recommendation: The Best Route
After considering the costs and distances of the various routes, it's clear that the most economical option based on the current gas prices is taking I-70 East, with a total fuel cost of $28.70. This route is not only the shortest distance-wise but also tends to have less congestion and travel time compared to the alternative routes.
While the other routes might offer a more scenic drive or an alternative to the interstate, they require a slightly larger fuel budget. Therefore, for travelers primarily concerned with cost-efficiency, I-70 East is the recommended route.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Belleville, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana, can vary depending on the chosen route and current gas prices. Based on the current national average gas price of $2.87 per gallon and assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 MPG, the total fuel costs for each route are as follows:
- I-70 East: $28.70 (250 miles)
- I-74 East: $32.16 (280 miles)
- IL-161 East and I-65 North: $35.63 (310 miles)
While all three routes serve as viable options for travelers, I-70 East stands out as the most cost-effective route. It is important to consider other factors such as road conditions, potential traffic, and personal preferences when making the final decision. Safe travels and enjoy your trip between Belleville and Indianapolis!