The Cost of a Trip between Bluffs, IL and Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, GA Based on Gas Prices

Traveling from Bluffs, Illinois to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in Georgia can take a considerable amount of time and money, especially when gas prices are fluctuating. This article will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and the distance of each option, ultimately recommending the best route for budget-conscious travelers.

Route Options

There are three main routes one can choose for a road trip from Bluffs, IL to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, GA:

Route 1: I-57 S and I-24 E

This route takes drivers on I-57 S to I-24 E. The total distance of the drive is 457 miles, and it takes around 7 hours and 20 minutes without stops or traffic.

Route 2: I-55 S and I-65 S

This is the longest route, which takes drivers on I-55 S and I-65 S. The total distance of the drive is 665 miles, and it takes around 10 hours and 30 minutes without stops or traffic.

Route 3: I-65 S and I-75 S

This is the shortest and most common route for travelers. It takes drivers on I-65 S to I-75 S. The total distance of the drive is 522 miles, and it takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes without stops or traffic.

Gas Prices

Gas prices vary depending on location and time of year; however, a general estimate can be made based on the current national average. The average gas price in the United States as of August 2021 is $3.13 per gallon. Depending on your car's fuel economy and the distance you need to travel, gas prices can significantly affect your travel budget.

Cost of Each Route

To calculate the gas cost of each route, we will use the national average MPG of 25.1 for passenger cars.

Route 1:

The distance from Bluffs, IL to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government on Route 1 is 457 miles. This means that the total amount of gas needed for this trip can be calculated as 457 miles divided by 25.1 MPG, which comes out to 18.2 gallons. Multiplying 18.2 gallons by the national average gas price of $3.13, we get a total gas cost of $56.95.

Route 2:

The distance from Bluffs, IL to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government on Route 2 is 665 miles. This means that the total amount of gas needed for this trip can be calculated as 665 miles divided by 25.1 MPG, which comes out to 26.5 gallons. Multiplying 26.5 gallons by the national average gas price of $3.13, we get a total gas cost of $83.15.

Route 3:

The distance from Bluffs, IL to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government on Route 3 is 522 miles. This means that the total amount of gas needed for this trip can be calculated as 522 miles divided by 25.1 MPG, which comes out to 20.8 gallons. Multiplying 20.8 gallons by the national average gas price of $3.13, we get a total gas cost of $65.15.

Best Route

Based on the distance and gas cost calculations above, Route 3 is the best option for budget-conscious travelers. It is the shortest route, with the least amount of gas needed for the trip, and consequently, the lowest gas cost. However, depending on personal preferences and factors such as traffic and road conditions, the other routes may be a better fit for some drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Bluffs, Illinois, to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in Georgia can vary depending on the route taken and the current gas prices. Route 3 is the best option for budget-conscious travelers, with a gas cost of $65.15. However, personal preferences and various factors may influence which route drivers choose to take. Regardless of the route chosen, this road trip can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours without stops or traffic.