Driving Cost from Carol Stream, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana

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The Cost of a Trip Between Carol Stream, Illinois and South Bend, Indiana

Are you planning a trip from Carol Stream, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana? It's important to know the cost and distance of each possible route in order to make a budget and plan your journey. In this article, we'll break down the different travel options and estimate their cost based on current gas prices.

The Different Routes

There are several routes you can take when driving from Carol Stream to South Bend. The most direct route is to take I-94 East, which will take you to your destination in about 2 hours and 45 minutes (assuming light traffic). However, there are alternative routes that may be more scenic or offer a chance to see other parts of the Midwest.

  1. I-94 East (Most Direct Route): This route is the most direct and takes you straight from Carol Stream, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana. The total distance is approximately 141 miles, and it should take around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The current average price of regular gas in Illinois is $2.52 per gallon, and in Indiana, it's $2.49 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, the round trip will cost you about $28.64 in gas.
  2. US-12 East: This route takes you on a more scenic route through the Michigan countryside. You'll also get to cross the famous “Fruit Belt” of Michigan, which is known for its apple orchards. The total distance is approximately 153 miles, and it should take around 3 hours. The cost for the trip will be similar to the I-94 route since they are close in distance.
  3. I-80 and I-90 East: This is another alternative that takes you through some of the larger cities in the Midwest, including Gary, Indiana and Chicago, Illinois. The total distance is approximately 170 miles and should take around 3 hours and 15 minutes. This route will be more expensive compared to the other routes as you’ll need to drive the Illinois Toll road and pay tolls.

The Best Route

The most direct route (I-94 East) is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Carol Stream to South Bend. It has the added benefit of avoiding major cities, so you shouldn't encounter too much traffic or other delays. However, if you're interested in taking a more scenic or relaxed route, the US-12 East route is a great option. You'll have a chance to see the orchards and other natural scenery of Michigan. Either way, try to avoid the I-80 and I-90 East route as it may take longer and be more expensive due to tolls.

Conclusion

If you're planning a trip from Carol Stream, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana, you'll want to consider the different routes and their respective costs. While driving on I-94 East is the most direct and cheapest option, you can also take US-12 East for a more scenic drive. Consider your travel priorities and budget when deciding which route to take. Happy travels!