The Cost of a Trip from Blue Island to Hinsdale: Which Route is Cheapest?

If you need to get from Blue Island, Illinois to Hinsdale, Illinois, you'll want to consider all of your transportation options. Depending on the time of day and your flexibility, there are a variety of routes you can take to get from point A to point B. In this article, we'll explore some of the different routes and what you can expect to pay in terms of transportation costs.

Route #1: Take the Train

One of the easiest options for getting from Blue Island to Hinsdale is to take the Metra train. The Metra SouthWest Service Line stops at both Blue Island-Vermont Street and Hinsdale stations, making it a convenient option for travelers. The ride takes about an hour and 20 minutes each way, and there are several trains that run each day.

The cost of a one-way adult ticket on the Metra from Blue Island to Hinsdale is $6.50. Seniors and children receive a discounted rate. If you're planning to make the round trip, the cost will be $13.

Route #2: Drive

If you have access to a car, driving is always an option. The most direct route is to take I-294 Northbound to I-55 Southbound. This route is about 18 miles long and takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about three-quarters of a gallon of gas to make the trip. At the time of writing, the average cost for a gallon of gas in Illinois is $2.14. This means that the cost of gas for the one-way trip will be about $1.60.

You may also want to consider other expenses if you're driving, such as tolls. On this route, the most direct option would be to take the Tri-State Tollway, which will cost $1.50 with I-PASS or $2.50 without. If you also take the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, that will be an additional $1.90.

Route #3: Rideshare

Another option for transportation is to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to find a shared ride that will save you money. To get an estimate of the cost, you can use the app to input your starting and ending locations and see what the fare would be.

At the time of writing, a shared ride estimate for this route is approximately $14-19, depending on the time of day and demand. If you're traveling alone and want a private ride, you can expect to pay at least double that.

Route #4: Public Bus

If you prefer public transportation but don't want to take the train, you can also take a bus. The Pace Suburban Bus 381 runs between Blue Island and Hinsdale, with stops in between. The total trip takes about an hour and 50 minutes, although that may vary depending on traffic.

The cost of a one-way adult fare on the bus is $2. Seniors and students receive a discounted rate. If you're planning to make the round trip, the cost will be $4.

Which Route is Cheapest?

As you can see, there are pros and cons to each of these transportation options. If you prioritize cost above all else, taking the bus or the train is likely to be the cheapest option. However, if you value convenience or speed, driving or using a ridesharing service may be more appealing.

In terms of total cost, the cheapest option for a one-way trip from Blue Island to Hinsdale is taking the Pace Suburban Bus. At $2 per ride, it's the most cost-effective option for the budget-conscious traveler. However, keep in mind that the trip will take significantly longer than if you were driving on your own.

If you value your time and aren't too worried about the cost, taking an Uber, Lyft, or driving your own car is likely to be the fastest option. Depending on your vehicle and driving habits, driving may be slightly cheaper than taking a rideshare service. However, there are additional expenses to consider, such as tolls and parking fees.

Conclusion

For anyone trying to get from Blue Island to Hinsdale, there are a variety of transportation options available. The cheapest option is to take the Pace Suburban Bus for $2 per ride, although this option will take significantly longer than other modes of transportation. If you're looking for speed or convenience, driving your own car or taking a rideshare service may be more appealing, but these options come with added expenses.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual preferences and budget. Be sure to consider the time and cost of each option before deciding which one to choose..Safe travels!