The Cost of a Trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Biloxi, Mississippi: A Comparison of Routes with Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Biloxi, Mississippi can be exciting and promising for many reasons. Traveling approximately 850 miles between these states can offer an adventurous escape, enjoying picturesque sceneries, and gaining new experiences by exploring varied cultures. Nevertheless, travelers must prepare well for the journey, making a budget, and properly managing time to avoid unnecessary stress. The cost of any travel entirely depends on the route one chooses, and gas prices are a considerable factor to consider when traveling by car. This article compares the different possible routes between these states with current gas prices and highlights the cost and distance of each route, aiming to recommend the best route for the most affordable and enjoyable trip.
Possible Routes between Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi.
The popular routes between these states can be found on Google maps, through GPS systems, or online planning platforms like Roadtrippers. The possible routes are highlighted below:
Route 1: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-55 S.
This route covers approximately 771 miles, which takes about 11 hours and 50 minutes if one drives continuously without rest stops. It all starts by taking the East Grove Street towards I-55 S, where drivers pass through various states, including Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and ending in Mississippi.
| State | Distance (miles) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 15 | 20 mins |
| Missouri | 296 | 4 hours 49 mins |
| Arkansas | 280 | 4 hours 17 mins |
| Mississippi | 180 | 2 hours 49 mins |
| Total | 771 | 11 hours 50 mins |
Route 2: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-57 S and I-55 S.
This route covers approximately 858 miles, which takes about 13 hours and 30 minutes if one drives continuously without rest stops. It starts by taking the I-57 S from Bloomington toward Memphis and joining the I-55 S to continue the journey to Biloxi.
| State | Distance (miles) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 86 | 1 hour 26 mins |
| Missouri | 143 | 2 hours 18 mins |
| Tennessee | 69 | 1 hour 9 mins |
| Arkansas | 203 | 3 hours 13 mins |
| Mississippi | 357 | 5 hours 24 mins |
| Total | 858 | 13 hours 30 mins |
Route 3: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-39 S and I-55 S.
This route covers approximately 882 miles, which takes about 13 hours and 46 minutes if one drives continuously without rest stops. It starts by taking the I-39 S towards St Louis and joining the I-55 S to continue the journey.
| State | Distance (miles) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 110 | 1 hour 43 mins |
| Missouri | 110 | 1 hour 44 mins |
| Arkansas | 280 | 4 hours 18 mins |
| Mississippi | 324 | 5 hours 1 min |
| Total | 882 | 13 hours 46 mins |
Route 4: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via US-45 S and I-55 S.
This route covers approximately 948 miles, which takes about 14 hours and 57 minutes if one drives continuously without rest stops. It starts by taking the US-45 S towards Memphis and joining the I-55 S to continue the journey.
| State | Distance (miles) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 165 | 2 hours 34 mins |
| Tennessee | 157 | 2 hours 32 mins |
| Mississippi | 626 | 9 hours 51 mins |
| Total | 948 | 14 hours 57 mins |
Gas Prices in Different States Within the Route.
Travelers should also consider the gas prices in different states they will pass through since the cost varies from one state to another. Gas prices change frequently, so it’s essential to recheck, but according to the AAA Gas Prices website, the average gas prices in June 2021 are:
| State | Average Price per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $3.19 |
| Missouri | $2.93 |
| Tennessee | $2.94 |
| Arkansas | $2.86 |
| Mississippi | $2.91 |
Comparing the Cost of Each Route.
To estimate the total cost of each route, we need to know the following details:
- Car's fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (MPG)
- The price of gas in each state
Assuming the fuel efficiency of the car is 25 MPG and the cost of gas per gallon in different states is as indicated above, we can estimate the total cost of each route:
Route 1: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-55 S.
| State | Distance (miles) | MPG | Gallons | Gas Price | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 15 | 25 | 0.6 | 3.19 | 1.91 |
| Missouri | 296 | 25 | 11.8 | 2.93 | 34.54 |
| Arkansas | 280 | 25 | 11.2 | 2.86 | 32.09 |
| Mississippi | 180 | 25 | 7.2 | 2.91 | 20.96 |
| Total | 771 | - | 31.8 | - | 89.50 |
The estimated cost of gas for Route 1 is $89.50.
Route 2: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-57 S and I-55 S.
| State | Distance (miles) | MPG | Gallons | Gas Price | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 86 | 25 | 3.4 | 3.19 | 10.83 |
| Missouri | 143 | 25 | 5.72 | 2.93 | 16.76 |
| Tennessee | 69 | 25 | 2.76 | 2.94 | 8.10 |
| Arkansas | 203 | 25 | 8.12 | 2.86 | 23.22 |
| Mississippi | 357 | 25 | 14.28 | 2.91 | 41.59 |
| Total | 858 | - | 34.26 | - | 100.50 |
The estimated cost of gas for Route 2 is $100.50.
Route 3: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via I-39 S and I-55 S.
| State | Distance (miles) | MPG | Gallons | Gas Price | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 110 | 25 | 4.4 | 3.19 | 14.01 |
| Missouri | 110 | 25 | 4.4 | 2.93 | 12.87 |
| Arkansas | 280 | 25 | 11.2 | 2.86 | 32.09 |
| Mississippi | 324 | 25 | 12.96 | 2.91 | 37.71 |
| Total | 882 | - | 33.96 | - | 96.68 |
The estimated cost of gas for Route 3 is $96.68.
Route 4: Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, via US-45 S and I-55 S.
| State | Distance (miles) | MPG | Gallons | Gas Price | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 165 | 25 | 6.6 | 3.19 | 21.03 |
| Tennessee | 157 | 25 | 6.28 | 2.94 | 18.45 |
| Mississippi | 626 | 25 | 25.04 | 2.91 | 72.98 |
| Total | 948 | - | 37.92 | - | 112.46 |
The estimated cost of gas for Route 4 is $112.46.
Recommendation: The Best Route
The most recommended and the most affordable route would be Route 1, the shortest route, and only passes through four states. Although the gas prices in some of the states are relatively high, it has fewer miles, which decreases the expenses of gas and travel time. One can end up saving about $10 to $20 using Route 1 instead of using Route 2, 3, or 4. Also, the route has several gas stations and facilities that are efficient, so travelers can easily stop for a rest or to refuel, without having to worry about poor gas mileage or car issues.
Conclusion
In summary, a road trip journey from Bloomington, Illinois, to Biloxi, Mississippi, can be thrilling and affordable if one chooses the most convenient route. Route 1 stands out as the recommended route, having the shortest distance and the most affordable gas stations along the way. It offers travelers easy access to different facilities, including hotels, gas stations, and roadside restaurants, making the trip more enjoyable and accessible. Nevertheless, it’s essential to have adequate planning and a good budget for the trip, considering factors like car maintenance, food, and accommodation expenses, for one to have a perfect, stress-free trip.