The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana

If you're looking to take a trip between Bloomington, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana, there are a few different routes you might consider. Factors like distance, gas prices, and speed limits can all impact the overall cost of your journey. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different routes you might take, highlight the costs associated with each, and recommend the best route based on your needs.

Route 1: Via I-74 and I-65 (115 Miles)

This is the shortest route between Bloomington and Indianapolis, and it's also the quickest if you're driving a car. Take I-74 East until you reach I-65 South. This can be a convenient route if you're already on the eastern side of Bloomington, as it will take you less than two hours to get to Indianapolis. However, it's also the most expensive route, as the gas prices in this area tend to be higher than other areas in the Midwest.

According to GasBuddy, a popular gasoline pricing website, the average price for regular gasoline in Bloomington, Illinois, is $3.05/gallon as of August 2021. Meanwhile, the average price in Indianapolis is $2.97/gallon. Using these rates, and assuming a vehicle with a fuel economy of around 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to pay about $13.25 each way for gas alone, for a total of $26.50 round trip.

Additionally, depending on the time of day you're traveling, you may also hit some traffic along these interstates, which can slow you down and increase the overall travel time.

Route 2: Via IN-37 (129 Miles)

Another option is to take IN-37, which is a state highway that goes from Bloomington directly to Indianapolis. This route is slightly longer than the first, but it can be a cheaper option if you're looking to save on gas. The main downside of this route is that it may take longer to arrive at your destination, as there are a few construction areas along the way that can slow you down.

Taking this route would involve driving north on IN-37 from Bloomington until you reach Interstate 465 West. From there, you would continue east until you reach your desired destination in Indianapolis. The gas prices along this route tend to be lower than the prices on I-74 and I-65, so the cost for the trip could be a bit cheaper.

Assuming the same fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon and the same gas prices as mentioned earlier, you could expect to pay around $14 for gas alone each way, for a total of $28 round trip.

Route 3: Via US-231 (133 Miles)

Finally, another option to consider is taking US-231 to get to Indianapolis from Bloomington. This route is the longest of the three mentioned and will take you through some smaller towns along the way. However, it could also be the cheapest option thanks to lower gas prices.

To take this route, you would head east on Route 46 out of Bloomington and then take a left onto US-231 North. Follow the road until you reach I-70 East, which you'll take until you reach Indianapolis. One thing to note is that you'll be driving through some rural areas along this route, so there won't be as many gas stations or rest stops as there are on the other routes.

Gas prices along this route tend to average out to around $2.90/gallon for regular gasoline, which is lower than the prices on the first two options. Based on the same fuel economy and gas prices, you could expect to pay around $12.95 each way, for a total of $25.90 round trip.

Which Route is Best?

Ultimately, the best route for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking to get to Indianapolis as quickly as possible and don't mind paying a bit more for gas, the I-74 and I-65 route might be your best option. On the other hand, if you're looking to save some money and don't mind a slightly longer drive, either IN-37 or US-231 might be better choices.

Personally, we recommend taking route 2, via IN-37. While it is a bit longer than I-74 and I-65, it's generally faster than US-231 thanks to fewer construction zones. Additionally, the lower gas prices along IN-37 can easily make up for the slightly longer distance, which makes for a more economical trip overall.

Conclusion

Taking a trip between Bloomington, Illinois, and Indianapolis, Indiana, can be a great way to explore some of the attractions and experiences that the Midwest has to offer. With three different routes to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks, you're sure to find a journey that suits your needs and budget. Whichever route you choose, be sure to factor in gas prices and travel time to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish. Happy travels!