The Cost of a Trip between Bowling Green, Ohio and Racine, Wisconsin

Traveling by car can be an affordable and flexible way to explore the country, but with fluctuating gas prices and various routes to choose from, planning a trip can become overwhelming. In this article, we will break down the cost of a road trip between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Racine, Wisconsin, considering different routes, and recommend the best option based on current gas prices.

Route Options

When traveling from Bowling Green to Racine, there are various routes to choose from, each with its own advantages and costs. We will compare the following three route options:

Route 1: I-80 W and I-90 W

This is the shortest and most direct route from Bowling Green to Racine, covering a distance of approximately 355 miles. This route involves taking I-80 W and then connecting with I-90 W in Indiana to reach Racine. The estimated driving time for this route is six hours, including stops.

Route 2: Ohio Turnpike and I-94 W

This route covers a distance of approximately 380 miles and takes a little over six hours to drive. The journey involves taking the Ohio Turnpike towards Indiana and then connecting with I-94 W to reach Racine. This route is slightly longer but offers the advantage of avoiding the tolls on I-80 W.

Route 3: I-75 N, I-94 W, and WI-11 W

This route covers a distance of approximately 420 miles and takes approximately seven hours to drive. It involves taking I-75 N towards Detroit, connecting with I-94 W, and then taking WI-11 W to reach Racine. This is the longest and most time-consuming route but offers beautiful scenic views of Lake Michigan.

Cost Breakdown

Now let's consider the cost breakdown for each of these routes, based on the current gas prices in Ohio and Wisconsin, which are $2.65 and $2.89 per gallon, respectively.

Route 1: I-80 W and I-90 W

If you take this route, you will cover a distance of approximately 355 miles, which translates to 11.83 gallons of gas (355/30). At the current gas prices, this will cost you $31.34 ($2.65 x 11.83). Additionally, you will have to pay tolls of $13 on the Ohio Turnpike, which brings the total cost of this route to $44.34.

Route 2: Ohio Turnpike and I-94 W

If you choose this route, you will cover a distance of approximately 380 miles, which translates to 12.67 gallons of gas (380/30). At the current gas prices, this will cost you $33.61 ($2.65 x 12.67). Since this route avoids the tolls on I-80 W, you will only have to pay a toll of $7.60 on the Ohio Turnpike. The total cost of this route, including the gasoline and tolls, will be $41.21.

Route 3: I-75 N, I-94 W, and WI-11 W

This route is the longest and takes approximately seven hours to drive, but it offers beautiful scenic views of Lake Michigan. If you choose this route, you will cover a distance of approximately 420 miles, which translates to 14 gallons of gas (420/30). At the current gas prices, this will cost you $40.46 ($2.89 x 14). Additionally, you will have to pay tolls of $13.30 on the Ohio Turnpike and $3.60 on the Illinois Tollway, which brings the total cost of this route to $57.36.

Recommended Route

Considering the distance, time, and cost factors, we recommend Route 2: Ohio Turnpike and I-94 W, as the best option for traveling from Bowling Green to Racine. This route is slightly longer than Route 1 but significantly cheaper due to avoiding the tolls on I-80 W. Additionally, this route is relatively straightforward and offers a smooth driving experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning a road trip between Bowling Green, Ohio, and Racine, Wisconsin, it's essential to consider the various route options, gas prices, and tolls. Based on current gas prices and tolls, we recommend Route 2: Ohio Turnpike and I-94 W, which covers a distance of approximately 380 miles and costs approximately $41.21. The estimated driving time for this route is six hours, including stops. Happy travels!