Driving Cost from Bloomington, Indiana to Bowling Green, Missouri

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The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington, Indiana and Bowling Green, Missouri

If you're planning a trip from Bloomington, Indiana to Bowling Green, Missouri, one of the biggest considerations you will have to make is how much it will cost. Gas prices are constantly fluctuating, and the distance between the two cities is not short. In this article, we will discuss the cost of a trip between these two cities, outlining the different possible routes you can take and highlighting the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route to take for the most economical and efficient trip.

Possible Routes

There are several different routes you can take when driving from Bloomington, Indiana to Bowling Green, Missouri. The most direct route is via US-231, which takes you through several small towns in Indiana before crossing into Illinois and eventually into Missouri. Another option is to take I-70, which is a longer route but a more direct and faster highway. Finally, you can take a more scenic route by traveling through the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

Route 1: US-231

The most direct route between Bloomington and Bowling Green is via US-231. This route takes you through several small towns in Indiana, including Spencer and Cloverdale, before crossing the Wabash River and continuing south into Illinois. From there, you will drive through Paris and Marshall before crossing into Missouri and reaching Bowling Green.

The distance between Bloomington, Indiana and Bowling Green, Missouri via US-231 is approximately 320 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 5 hours and 30 minutes. According to GasBuddy.com, the average gas price in Indiana is currently $2.65 per gallon, while in Missouri it is $2.53 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we will assume an average car has a 12-gallon tank and gets approximately 25 miles per gallon.

Gas cost:

  • Bloomington, Indiana to Paris, Illinois (160 miles): 160 / 25 x 12 x $2.65 = $127.68
  • Paris, Illinois to Bowling Green, Missouri (160 miles): 160 / 25 x 12 x $2.53 = $121.92
  • Total gas cost: $249.60

Route 2: I-70

For a more direct and faster route, you can take I-70 from Bloomington to Bowling Green. This route takes you through Indianapolis and Terre Haute in Indiana, as well as Effingham and Vandalia in Illinois. From there, you can take US-54 south into Missouri and reach Bowling Green.

The distance between Bloomington, Indiana and Bowling Green, Missouri via I-70 is approximately 366 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 6 hours. According to GasBuddy.com, the average gas price in Indiana is currently $2.65 per gallon, while in Missouri it is $2.53 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we will assume an average car has a 12-gallon tank and gets approximately 25 miles per gallon.

Gas cost:

  • Bloomington, Indiana to Vandalia, Illinois (210 miles): 210 / 25 x 12 x $2.65 = $166.32
  • Vandalia, Illinois to Bowling Green, Missouri (156 miles): 156 / 25 x 12 x $2.53 = $118.22
  • Total gas cost: $284.54

Route 3: Shawnee National Forest

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take the road less traveled by traveling through the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. This route takes you through several national forests and parks, including the Hoosier National Forest and the Shawnee National Forest. From there, you can take US-51 south to reach Bowling Green.

The distance between Bloomington, Indiana and Bowling Green, Missouri via the Shawnee National Forest is approximately 382 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 7 hours. According to GasBuddy.com, the average gas price in Indiana is currently $2.65 per gallon, while in Missouri it is $2.53 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for this route, we will assume an average car has a 12-gallon tank and gets approximately 25 miles per gallon.

Gas cost:

  • Bloomington, Indiana to Murphysboro, Illinois (212 miles): 212 / 25 x 12 x $2.65 = $167.96
  • Murphysboro, Illinois to Bowling Green, Missouri (170 miles): 170 / 25 x 12 x $2.53 = $128.96
  • Total gas cost: $296.92

Based on the above calculations, the most economical route to take between Bloomington, Indiana and Bowling Green, Missouri is via US-231. This route has the shortest distance and the lowest gas cost, making it the most efficient and cheapest option. However, if time is a factor, and you prefer a faster direct route, you may choose to take I-70 instead.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several different routes you can take when driving from Bloomington, Indiana to Bowling Green, Missouri. The most direct route is via US-231, while a more direct and faster route is via I-70. For a more scenic route, you can travel through the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. Based on gas prices, distance, and driving time, the most economical and efficient route is via US-231. However, if time is a factor, you may prefer to take I-70 instead. Regardless of which route you take, make sure to factor in gas prices and other costs before embarking on your trip.