Driving Cost from Bloomington, Illinois to Manchester, New Hampshire

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The Cost of a Trip between Bloomington, Illinois and Manchester, New Hampshire: Comparing Routes and Fuel Expenses

Introduction

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Manchester, New Hampshire? Before hitting the open road, it's important to consider the cost of your journey, especially when it comes to fuel expenses. Gas prices can vary significantly between states and regions, impacting your overall travel budget. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes from Bloomington, Illinois to Manchester, New Hampshire, highlighting the cost and distance of each one. By the end, we will recommend the best route for both cost-conscious and time-conscious travelers.

Route Option 1: The Northern Passage

One possible route from Bloomington, Illinois to Manchester, New Hampshire takes you through the scenic Northern Passage. This route spans approximately 1,100 miles and passes through Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario (Canada), New York, Vermont, and finally reaches New Hampshire. The estimated driving time for this route is around 18 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Fuel Cost Analysis for Route Option 1

To estimate the fuel expenses for this route, we first need to consider the average gas prices in each state or province. According to recent data, the average gas price in Illinois is $2.80 per gallon, while in Wisconsin, it stands at $2.85. In Michigan, the average price increases to $3.00, likely due to higher taxes. After crossing into Ontario, Canada, the price rises to approximately $4.30 per gallon (converted to USD). However, once you enter New York, the price falls to $2.75, and in Vermont, it slightly decreases further to $2.70. Finally, in New Hampshire, the average gas price is $2.82 per gallon.

Considering the average fuel efficiency of modern vehicles (around 25 miles per gallon for a midsize car), we can calculate the fuel expenses for each leg of the journey:

  1. Bloomington, Illinois to the Illinois-Wisconsin border: 307 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.80 per gallon = $34.93.
  2. Illinois-Wisconsin border to Michigan-Ontario border: 510 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.85 per gallon = $57.60.
  3. Michigan-Ontario border to New York-Vermont border: 129 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $4.30 per gallon = $27.72.
  4. New York-Vermont border to Manchester, New Hampshire: 148 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.70 per gallon = $16.08.

Adding up the individual costs, the estimated fuel expenses for Route Option 1 amount to approximately $136.33.

Route Option 2: The Interstate Express

If time is of the essence and you prefer a more direct route, you may opt for the Interstate Express. This route covers approximately 960 miles and primarily follows interstates such as I-55, I-80, I-90, and I-93. The estimated driving time for this route is around 15 hours, depending on traffic conditions and speed limits.

Fuel Cost Analysis for Route Option 2

To estimate the fuel expenses for the Interstate Express route, we will consider the average gas prices along the major interstates. In Illinois, the price remains at $2.80 per gallon, while in Indiana, it increases slightly to $2.85. Moving further east into Ohio, the average gas price rises to $2.90 per gallon. In Pennsylvania, it decreases slightly to $2.87 per gallon, and further along in Massachusetts, it falls to $2.75 per gallon. Finally, in New Hampshire, the average gas price is $2.82 per gallon.

Calculating the fuel expenses for each leg of the journey:

  1. Bloomington, Illinois to the Illinois-Indiana border: 71 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.80 per gallon = $7.84.
  2. Illinois-Indiana border to Ohio-Pennsylvania border: 277 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.85 per gallon = $31.74.
  3. Ohio-Pennsylvania border to Massachusetts-New Hampshire border: 601 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.87 per gallon = $69.57.
  4. Massachusetts-New Hampshire border to Manchester, New Hampshire: 11 miles / [25 miles per gallon] * $2.82 per gallon = $0.56.

Adding up the individual costs, the estimated fuel expenses for Route Option 2 amount to approximately $109.71.

Recommendation: The Interstate Express is the Way to Go!

Based on a comparison of fuel expenses and driving time, Route Option 2 – the Interstate Express – is the recommended route for most travelers. While Route Option 1 might provide a more scenic journey, it adds both distance and cost to the trip. The Interstate Express, on the other hand, offers a more direct and affordable option. With estimated fuel expenses of $109.71 and a driving time of around 15 hours, it strikes a good balance between cost and convenience.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Manchester, New Hampshire, it is crucial to consider the cost of fuel expenses along with the chosen route. In this article, we explored two viable options: the Northern Passage and the Interstate Express. While the Northern Passage covers approximately 1,100 miles and incurs fuel expenses of around $136.33, the Interstate Express spans about 960 miles and costs approximately $109.71 in fuel. With an estimated driving time of 18 hours for the Northern Passage and 15 hours for the Interstate Express, the latter is the recommended route for travelers looking for a balance between cost and time-saving. So buckle up, grab your road trip playlist, and hit the highway on a journey that will take you from the heartland of America to the scenic landscapes of New England!