The Cost of a Trip between Bowling Green, Kentucky and Creal Springs, Illinois: Navigating Gas Prices

Traveling from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Creal Springs, Illinois can be an enjoyable and affordable road trip. However, the cost of gas can make a significant difference in the overall expenses. There are several routes available, each with its own distance and cost of gas. This article will break down the cost of a road trip from Bowling Green to Creal Springs based on current gas prices, while identifying the best routes to take.

Route 1: I-65 and I-24

The most common route people will take from Bowling Green to Creal Springs is taking Interstate 65 until it meets with I-24, which takes you right into Creal Springs. This route is approximately 188 miles long and would take around 2.5 hours to complete.

Using GasBuddy's gas calculator with the current average gas prices as of August 2021 for Kentucky and Illinois, the total cost of gas (one way) for a typical vehicle with a 14-gallon tank would be around $37.52.

While this route is the fastest and most straightforward, there are some downsides. Interstate 65 tends to be highly trafficked, especially in Nashville, which could add time to your estimated travel. Additionally, a portion of the I-24, which spans Tennessee, could be prone to stop-and-go traffic, especially during peak travel times.

Route 2: I-65 and I-57

Another possible route for those traveling from Bowling Green to Creal Springs is taking I-65 to its intersection with I-57. From there, it's a 41-mile drive south in I-57 to reach Creal Springs. This route is 202 miles long, which would increase drive time to just over 3 hours.

Using the same assumed gas prices from GasBuddy, it would cost approximately $41.15 for gas for a typical vehicle with a 14-gallon tank.

Compared to Route 1, this route can be less hectic as it's considerably less traveled. However, I-57 motorists may encounter roadwork on some sections of this route, so a little extra time may be needed to get through it.

Route 3: Non-Interstate Route

The third and final route you could take is avoiding the interstate altogether and taking a more scenic route. This route spans approximately 200 miles but can take up to 3.5 hours to complete.

The non-interstate route takes Highway 79 all the way through the Missouri Bootheel until it intersects with Highway 3, which leads directly to Creal Springs.

Using GasBuddy's average gas prices, the total cost of gas for a typical vehicle with a 14-gallon tank would be around $36.40, slightly cheaper than Route 1.

While this route is the longest in terms of time and distance, it's the best for those who enjoy more scenic drives. You'll also avoid heavier traffic congestion on interstates.

Best Route to Take

Though Route 3 may offer a more peaceful drive, it's still the longest and may become tiring, especially with the possibility of encountering road work. Therefore, Route 1 offers the best balance between time, gas expenses, and traffic volume. Despite the possibility of traffic, this route is direct and easy to follow, and with the right traffic conditions, it can take less time than the estimated 2.5 hours.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of a trip between Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Creal Springs, Illinois, varies based on the route taken and the current gas prices. While the cheapest route is Route 3, it's much longer and can become grueling. Route 2 is less traveled, but there's a chance of encountering road construction. Ultimately, Route 1 is the recommended route because it's direct, requires less time to complete, and traffic issues tend to be less cumbersome than the other two routes.

If you plan on taking a road trip between these two cities, it's important to factor the cost of gas into your budget. Careful planning and choosing the right route may help make the trip much more enjoyable. Safe travels!