How much does it cost to drive from Berkeley, California, to Chicago, Illinois?

If you're planning a road trip from Berkeley, California, to Chicago, Illinois, you're in for a fantastic adventure! From the stunning sights of the southwest desert to the rolling hills of the Midwest, the journey offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscape, friendly small towns, and bustling metropolitan cities.

But before you hit the road, you'll need to figure out how much it will cost you. Let's take a closer look at the different routes available and their associated costs.

Route 1: I-80 E

The first option is to take the historic Lincoln Highway, which runs across the country from San Francisco to New York City. The I-80 E is the longest and most direct route available, covering a distance of approximately 2,242 miles. According to the current gas prices (as of August 2021), you can expect to pay an average of $3.18 per gallon.

Based on these figures, it will take you roughly 33 hours to complete the trip, including stops for gas, food, and rest. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route will be about $315.

In addition to gas, you will also encounter toll roads along the way. Depending on the specific route you take and the time of day, you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 in tolls.

Route 2: US-50 E and I-70 E

Another popular route is to take the US-50 E and I-70 E route. Although it's slightly longer than the I-80 E (covering about 2,460 miles), it offers some stunning scenery along the way, including the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.

Using the same assumptions of gas prices and mpg as Route 1, this journey will take you approximately 37 hours and cost around $372 in gas. Tolls are not as frequent along this route, so you can expect to spend a total of $15-$25 on tolls.

Route 3: I-40 E and I-55 N

For those looking for a more southern route, the I-40 E and I-55 N option is a great alternative. This route passes through iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Nashville, and the Mississippi River.

Compared to the previous two routes, this is the shortest, covering just over 1,880 miles. However, with more and more cities to pass through and with various changes in elevation, the total travel time is still about 33 hours. The total cost of gas is also similar to the I-80 E, at around $315. The tolls on this route will amount to around $40-$60.

To summarize

Taking any of these routes offers a unique and memorable experience. However, depending on your budget, travel time, and personal preferences, you may opt for a different route. Here's a summary of the distances, travel times, gas prices, and tolls of the three routes mentioned above:

Route	Distance	Travel time	Cost of gas	Cost of tolls
I-80 E	2,242 miles	33 hours	$315	$30-$50
US-50 E and I-70 E	2,460 miles	37 hours	$372	$15-$25
I-40 E and I-55 N	1,880 miles	33 hours	$315	$40-$60

Now that you have an idea of the cost and time required for each route, you can better plan for your upcoming road trip. Don't forget to budget for food, lodging, and unexpected expenses along the way, and most importantly, enjoy the ride!