Cost of Driving From Bloomington, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio? Driving can be a fun and adventurous way to explore new places, but it's always important to factor in the cost of the trip. In this blog post, we will break down the different routes you can take, their distances, the estimated time it takes, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices and toll fees. So, grab your map and let's get started!

Route 1: I-74 E and I-65 N

If you choose this route, you will be taking Interstate 74 East and then transitioning onto Interstate 65 North. The distance between Bloomington and Columbus via this route is 300 miles. On average, it takes around 5 hours to complete this journey.

To calculate the cost of this trip, let's consider the current gas prices. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Illinois is $3.20 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle has a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 12 gallons of gas for this route, resulting in a total gas cost of $38.40.

Additionally, you might encounter tolls along the way. On this route, you will need to pay a toll fee of $7.60 for the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge. So, if we sum up the gas cost and the toll fee, the total cost for this route comes to $46.00.

Route 2: I-55 S

The second option is taking Interstate 55 South all the way to Columbus. The distance via this route is slightly longer, approximately 340 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Let's calculate the cost of this route based on the current gas prices mentioned above. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you will require approximately 14 gallons of gas for this journey, resulting in a total gas cost of $44.80.

Unlike Route 1, you won't encounter any tolls on this route. So, the total cost for this route solely comes to $44.80.

Route 3: US-36 E

For a more scenic drive, you can choose Route 3 and take US-36 East towards Columbus. This route covers a distance of approximately 325 miles, and it usually takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes to reach your destination.

Considering the current gas prices and using the same fuel efficiency, you will need about 13 gallons of gas, resulting in a total cost of $41.60.

Similar to Route 2, there are no tolls on this route, so the total cost remains at $41.60.

Final Thoughts

When planning your road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio, it's important to consider not only the distance and estimated time but also the cost of the trip. The three routes we discussed each have their own characteristics, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences the best.

Remember, gas prices and toll fees may vary, so it's always a good idea to check for the most up-to-date information before hitting the road. Safe travels, and enjoy the journey as you explore the beautiful landscapes between Bloomington and Columbus!

Please note that the distances, time estimates, and costs mentioned in this blog post are approximate and may vary based on various factors such as traffic conditions and vehicle fuel efficiency.