The Cost of a Road Trip from Buffalo Grove to Carol Stream

If you are planning a road trip from Buffalo Grove to Carol Stream, you might be wondering if it’s going to break the bank. Fortunately, the cost of gas in Illinois is lower than the national average, which means that you can make the trip without spending a fortune. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of a road trip between Buffalo Grove and Carol Stream, including the different routes you can take, and provide recommendations for the best route to take.

The Different Routes You Can Take

When planning a road trip from Buffalo Grove to Carol Stream, there are different routes you can choose from. The most obvious route is to take Interstate 290 (also known as the Eisenhower Expressway) from Buffalo Grove towards Chicago, and then continue on Interstate 355 (also known as the Veterans Memorial Tollway) until you get to Carol Stream. This route is approximately 36 miles long and can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on traffic.

Another option is to take Highway 53 from Buffalo Grove towards Palatine, and then continue on Rand Road (also known as Route 12) until you get to Carol Stream. This route is approximately 23 miles long and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes to complete, depending on traffic.

The Cost of Each Route

When it comes to the cost of each route, there are two main factors to consider: distance and tolls. The I-290 and I-355 route is longer and has more tolls, while the Highway 53 and Rand Road route is shorter and has fewer tolls.

For the I-290 and I-355 route, there are a total of four tolls that you have to pay, with each toll costing $1.50. This means that the total cost of tolls for this route is $6. However, this route is also longer, which means that you will need to spend more on gas. According to AAA's Gas Prices website, the average cost of gas in Illinois in September 2021 was $3.23 per gallon. If your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and you choose this route, you will need to buy approximately 1.44 gallons of gas, which will cost you around $4.65. This means that the total cost of this route (including tolls and gas) is approximately $10.65.

For the Highway 53 and Rand Road route, there is only one toll that you have to pay, which costs $0.60. This means that the total cost of tolls for this route is only $0.60. Additionally, this route is shorter, which means that you will need to spend less on gas. If you take this route, you will need to buy approximately 0.92 gallons of gas, which will cost you around $2.97. This means that the total cost of this route (including tolls and gas) is approximately $3.57.

Recommendations for the Best Route

Based on the cost and distance of each route, we recommend taking the Highway 53 and Rand Road route. This route is shorter and has fewer tolls, which means that you will save both time and money. Additionally, this route offers scenic views of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, which can make your road trip more enjoyable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Buffalo Grove to Carol Stream is relatively low, thanks to the lower gas prices in Illinois. The most cost-effective and efficient route to take is the Highway 53 and Rand Road route, which has fewer tolls and is shorter than the I-290 and I-355 route. By taking this route, you can expect to spend approximately $3.57 on tolls and gas, depending on the make and model of your car and the current gas prices. The road trip itself should take around 30 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.