The Cost of Driving From Bluffton, South Carolina to Thornton, Illinois

Planning a road trip can be an exciting and adventurous endeavor. Whether you're seeking new sights, visiting loved ones, or simply exploring the open road, a journey from Bluffton, South Carolina to Thornton, Illinois promises to be a memorable one. However, before hitting the gas pedal, it's essential to factor in the cost of the trip to ensure your budget remains intact. Join us in exploring the different routes, their distances, travel times, and associated costs, so you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.

Route 1: The Scenic Route

If you're a fan of picturesque landscapes and prefer taking the road less traveled, this route is for you. Covering a distance of approximately 919 miles, this journey can be completed in roughly 14 hours. Starting in Bluffton, you'll head northwest on US-278 W, passing through scenic places like Augusta, Nashville, and St. Louis, before reaching Thornton in Illinois.

The cost of this scenic route primarily includes gas expenses and toll fees. With an average gas price of $2.85 per gallon throughout the route, and an estimated fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle, you can expect to spend around $329 on gas alone. Additionally, toll prices amount to approximately $20 for this journey.

Route 2: The Direct Route

For those seeking a more time-efficient journey, the direct route is the one to choose. Spanning a distance of roughly 738 miles, this route can be completed in approximately 11 hours, significantly reducing your travel time compared to the scenic route. Starting in Bluffton, you'll head north on I-95 N, continuing on I-20 W and I-55 N before reaching Thornton, Illinois.

When it comes to costs, the direct route offers some savings. As with the scenic route, the average gas price along the way is $2.85 per gallon, and with the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can estimate spending around $266 on gas. Toll prices for this route amount to roughly $15.

Route 3: The Cost-Conscious Route

If your primary concern is keeping costs at a minimum while still reaching your destination, this route strikes the perfect balance. Covering a distance of about 751 miles, this journey can be completed in roughly 12 hours, offering a shorter travel time than the scenic route while remaining budget-friendly. Starting in Bluffton, you'll head northwest on US-278 W, merging onto I-95 N before continuing on I-26 W. Finally, you'll take I-77 N and I-70 W to reach Thornton in Illinois.

Opting for the cost-conscious route, you'll find that gas expenses are reduced compared to the other routes. With the average gas price of $2.85 per gallon and an estimated fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $278 on gas. Additionally, toll prices for this route amount to roughly $16.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, embarking on a journey from Bluffton, South Carolina to Thornton, Illinois opens up a world of possibilities and excitement. Taking into account the distances, travel times, and costs associated with each route, you can now make an informed decision that best aligns with your priorities. Remember to factor in gas expenses, toll fees, and the time you wish to dedicate to the adventure. Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and savor the memories that await!