The Cost of a Road Trip from Big Bend, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois
Are you planning a trip from Big Bend, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois? Before you hit the road, it's important to understand the cost of the trip. Gas prices, distance, and route all play a role in determining how much money you can expect to spend on your journey. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a road trip from Big Bend to Chicago, the routes available to you, and which one we recommend.
The Different Routes
There are a few different routes you can take to get from Big Bend to Chicago. Let's take a closer look at each one, including the distance and cost.
Route 1: Via I-43 S and I-94 E
This is the most direct route from Big Bend to Chicago, and it's also the fastest. To take this route, you'll start on I-43 S, and then merge onto I-94 E towards Chicago. The total distance of this route is approximately 107 miles, and it should take you around 2 hours to complete.
The cost of gas for this route will vary depending on the current price per gallon. At the time of writing, the average price of gas in Wisconsin is $2.67 per gallon, while the average price in Illinois is $2.62 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we'll assume a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon.
- Total Distance: 107 miles
- Estimated Gas Cost: $11.47
Route 2: Via US-45 S and I-94 E
This is a slightly longer route than Route 1, but it's still relatively direct. To take this route, you'll start on US-45 S, and then merge onto I-94 E towards Chicago. The total distance of this route is approximately 117 miles, and it should take you around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete.
The cost of gas for this route will also vary depending on the current price per gallon. Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, we can estimate the cost of gas for this route as follows:
- Total Distance: 117 miles
- Estimated Gas Cost: $12.53
Route 3: Via Waukesha and I-94 E
This is the longest route of the three, but it may be a good option if you want to avoid highway tolls. To take this route, you'll start on WI-164 S, and then turn onto WI-59 E. From there, you'll merge onto I-43 S, and then take a few local roads before getting on I-94 E. The total distance of this route is approximately 126 miles, and it should take you around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
Because this route involves a few more side roads, the cost of gas may be slightly higher than the other routes. Assuming a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, we can estimate the cost of gas for this route as follows:
- Total Distance: 126 miles
- Estimated Gas Cost: $13.53
Which Route is Best?
Of the three routes we just explored, Route 1 is the most direct and the fastest. It's also the cheapest in terms of gas cost. However, if you're looking to avoid highway tolls or want to take a more scenic route, you may want to consider Route 3. Route 2 is a good compromise between the two: it's slightly longer than Route 1 but still relatively direct, and the cost of gas is only slightly higher.
Ultimately, the best route for your trip will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. If you're in a hurry and want to save money on gas, we recommend Route 1.
Conclusion
A road trip from Big Bend, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois, can be a great way to explore America's heartland. By understanding the cost of your journey and the different routes available, you can make an informed decision about how to get there.
Based on current gas prices, we estimate that the total cost of gas for a road trip from Big Bend to Chicago will be around $11.47 if you take Route 1, $12.53 if you take Route 2, and $13.53 if you take Route 3. Remember that these estimates are based on a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, and gas prices can fluctuate over time.
No matter which route you choose, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip!