The Cost of a Trip Between Beloit, Wisconsin and Des Plaines, Illinois

Introduction

Planning a trip can be an exciting but daunting task, especially when it comes to considering the cost of transportation. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's essential to factor in any possible expenses to ensure a smooth journey. In this article, we will explore the different routes between Beloit, Wisconsin, and Des Plaines, Illinois, showcasing their distances and costs based on current gas prices. We will ultimately recommend the best route for your travel needs.

Route Options

Route 1: I-90 W

The first popular option for traveling from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Des Plaines, Illinois, is taking Interstate 90 W. This route covers a distance of approximately 85.3 miles according to Google Maps and estimated to take around 1 hour and 20 minutes under normal driving conditions.

Cost Calculation

To calculate the cost of this route, we need to consider the current gas prices. As of October 2021, the average gas price in Wisconsin is $2.95 per gallon, while in Illinois, it is slightly higher at $3.10 per gallon. Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for a regular car, we can estimate the cost based on the distance.

The cost of traveling 85.3 miles with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $2.95 per gallon would be approximately:

(85.3 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.95 per gallon = $10.15

Thus, the estimated cost of this route would be approximately $10.15.

Route 2: I-43 S and I-90 W

Another viable option for the journey is to take Interstate 43 S and then switch to Interstate 90 W. This route covers a slightly longer distance of around 88.5 miles and is estimated to take about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Cost Calculation

Similar to the previous route, we will calculate the cost based on the distance, fuel efficiency, and current gas prices.

Using the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and considering the gas price in Wisconsin at $2.95 per gallon and in Illinois at $3.10 per gallon, the estimated cost of this route would be:

(88.5 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.95 per gallon = $10.47

Therefore, the approximate cost of this route would be around $10.47.

Route 3: I-43 S and I-294 S

Our third possibility involves taking Interstate 43 S and later transitioning to Interstate 294 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 91.9 miles, which is slightly longer than the previous routes. The estimated travel time for this route is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cost Calculation

To determine the cost of this route, we will once again use the average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon and consider the gas prices in both Wisconsin and Illinois.

Calculating based on the distance and gas prices:

(91.9 miles / 25 miles per gallon) * $2.95 per gallon = $10.83

Thus, the estimated cost of this route amounts to approximately $10.83.

Recommended Route

While all three routes mentioned above will take you from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Des Plaines, Illinois, within a reasonable travel time, the optimal choice would be Route 1: I-90 W, which spans 85.3 miles. Not only is this route the shortest and most direct, but it also results in slightly lower expenses compared to the other routes. With an estimated cost of $10.15, it offers a cost-effective way to reach your destination without sacrificing time efficiency.

By selecting Route 1, you can minimize travel costs while still having a comfortable journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a trip from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Des Plaines, Illinois, requires accounting for the cost of transportation. Considering the current gas prices and distances, we explored three potential routes: I-90 W, I-43 S and I-90 W, and I-43 S and I-294 S. Among these, Route 1 (I-90 W) offers the shortest distance and the most cost-efficient journey, with an estimated cost of approximately $10.15.

When embarking on your trip, make sure to consider your budget and any other factors that may influence your choice of route. By combining cost-effectiveness and convenience, Route 1 provides an optimal path to reach Des Plaines, Illinois, from Beloit, Wisconsin. Enjoy your travels!