The Cost of a Trip Between Bowling Green, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois: Finding the Best Route Based on Gas Prices

Traveling between Bowling Green, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois has become easier over time, thanks to advancements in transportation technology. Whether for business or pleasure, one of the most important factors to consider before embarking on a trip is the cost. Gas prices play a significant role in determining how much you will spend on your trip. According to GasBuddy, as of May 2021, the average gas price in Ohio is $2.99 per gallon while in Illinois, it's $3.13 per gallon. The distance between Bowling Green and Chicago is approximately 237 miles, and there are different possible routes. In this article, we will explore each route and find the best one based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Via I-90 W

This route is the shortest but not the cheapest. It involves taking the I-75 S from Bowling Green and then connecting to I-90 W in Cleveland, Ohio. From there, you will travel through Ohio, Indiana, and finally end up in Chicago, Illinois.

The total distance between Bowling Green and Chicago via this route is approximately 245 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes to drive. At current gas prices, you'll need to spend an average of $35.47 on gas for a vehicle with a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons.

Route 2: Via I-80 W

The second route involves taking the I-75 S from Bowling Green to the I-80 W in Toledo, Ohio. From there, it's a straight drive through Indiana and into Illinois, ending up in Chicago.

The total distance between Bowling Green and Chicago via this route is approximately 260 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to drive. At current gas prices, you'll need to spend an average of $38.22 on gas for a vehicle with a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons.

Route 3: Via I-69 S and I-94 W

This route is the longest but cheapest. It involves taking the I-75 S from Bowling Green to I-69 S in Lansing, Michigan. From there, you will connect to I-94 W in Jackson, Michigan, and then drive through Indiana to Chicago.

The total distance between Bowling Green and Chicago via this route is approximately 305 miles, and it takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes to drive. At current gas prices, you'll need to spend an average of $36.84 on gas for a vehicle with a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons.

Best Route Based on Gas Prices

The best route to take from Bowling Green, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois based on current gas prices is Route 3 via I-69 S and I-94 W. Although it's the longest route, it's the cheapest at $36.84 for gas. It's also a straight drive, making it less complicated than the other two routes. However, if time is crucial, Route 1 via I-90 W is the best option. It's the shortest route and takes less time to travel than Route 3.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois, depends on gas prices and the route you choose to take. It's essential to consider all possible routes and gauge which one suits your needs. Based on current gas prices, Route 3 via I-69 S and I-94 W is the cheapest, while Route 1 via I-90 W is the quickest. Whichever route you choose, ensure that you have enough gas, and plan your journey to avoid traffic and other complications. Happy travels!