The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington, Illinois and Highland, Indiana
Introduction
Planning a trip can be an exciting endeavor, but it's essential to consider various factors, such as distance, time, and most importantly, cost. When traveling between Bloomington, Illinois, and Highland, Indiana, one must take into account gas prices, as fuel expenses can significantly impact the overall trip cost. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes for this journey, highlighting their distances and costs based on current gas prices. By the end, we will provide a recommendation for the most cost-effective route.
Route Options
Route A: I-55 N and I-57 N
This route entails taking I-55 N from Bloomington, Illinois, and then merging onto I-57 N, eventually leading to Highland, Indiana. The total distance for this route is approximately 160 miles.
Route B: I-74 E
An alternative option is taking I-74 E directly from Bloomington, Illinois, to Highland, Indiana. This route covers a distance of approximately 190 miles.
Route C: Combination Route
Another possibility is combining sections of both Route A and Route B. By taking I-55 N from Bloomington, Illinois, then switching to I-74 E, and finally connecting to I-57 N, this route covers a distance of approximately 170 miles.
Current Gas Prices
To accurately calculate the cost of the trip, it is crucial to consider the current gas prices in the area. As gas prices tend to fluctuate, it is recommended to consult a reliable online source for real-time information. Let's assume that the average gas price per gallon is $2.75 for this particular journey.
Route A: I-55 N and I-57 N
Taking Route A, starting from Bloomington, Illinois, involves heading north on I-55 and then merging onto I-57 towards Highland, Indiana. The total distance for this route is around 160 miles.
Considering the average fuel efficiency of modern vehicles, which is around 25 miles per gallon (mpg), we can estimate the number of gallons needed for this trip. Dividing the distance of 160 miles by the average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg gives us 6.4 gallons.
Multiplying the number of gallons (6.4) by the current gas price per gallon ($2.75) yields the cost for this route:
Cost = 6.4 gallons * $2.75/gallon = $17.60
Therefore, taking Route A would cost approximately $17.60 in gas expenses.
Route B: I-74 E
Opting for Route B involves traveling directly on I-74 E from Bloomington, Illinois, to Highland, Indiana, covering a distance of around 190 miles.
Following the same calculation method used for Route A, with an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, we can estimate the number of gallons required for this route. Dividing 190 miles by 25 mpg results in 7.6 gallons.
Multiplying the number of gallons (7.6) by the current gas price per gallon ($2.75) provides the cost for this route:
Cost = 7.6 gallons * $2.75/gallon = $20.90
Hence, choosing Route B would incur approximately $20.90 in gas expenses.
Route C: Combination Route
An alternative option is taking a combination of Routes A and B. This entails starting on I-55 N from Bloomington, Illinois, then switching to I-74 E, and finally connecting to I-57 N towards Highland, Indiana. The total distance for this hybrid route is approximately 170 miles.
Using the same calculation method, assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, we can determine the number of gallons needed. Dividing 170 miles by 25 mpg gives us 6.8 gallons.
Multiplying the number of gallons (6.8) by the current gas price per gallon ($2.75) provides the cost for this route:
Cost = 6.8 gallons * $2.75/gallon = $18.70
Therefore, taking the combination route would cost approximately $18.70 in gas expenses.
Recommendation: Best Route
Considering the costs and distances of each route, as well as the current gas prices, it is clear that Route A (via I-55 N and I-57 N) is the most cost-effective option for this trip. With a gas expense of approximately $17.60, it offers the shortest distance of 160 miles, making it an efficient and economical choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when planning a trip between Bloomington, Illinois, and Highland, Indiana, it is important to carefully consider the cost of the journey, particularly the expenses related to fuel. By analyzing different possible routes and taking into account their respective distances and current gas prices, we find that Route A (via I-55 N and I-57 N) is the most cost-effective option. The trip would cost around $17.60 in gas expenses, with a total distance of 160 miles. Regardless of the chosen route, always remember to monitor gas prices and adjust calculations accordingly for the most accurate estimation of trip costs. Have a safe and budget-friendly journey!