Driving Cost from Cassville, Missouri to Rockford, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Cassville, Missouri to Rockford, Illinois: Navigating Gas Prices

Taking a road trip can be one of the most exciting experiences you have, but the cost can add up fast. The cost of a trip is often dictated by the price of fuel, and figuring out the cheapest route can be crucial if you want to save money. In this article, we’ll navigate the different possible routes to take between Cassville, Missouri, and Rockford, Illinois, to help you plan your next trip.

Route 1: The Straight Shot on I-74

The first and shortest route to consider is the straight shot up I-74. This route is approximately 485 miles long and takes around 8 hours to complete. The main benefit of this route is its proximity to major cities such as Springfield, Champaign, and Bloomington-Normal. The downside is that it only passes through a few small towns, so you must be prepared with enough fuel and supplies to make the trip.

Gas prices in Missouri average around $2.49/gallon while those in Illinois go for around $2.57/gallon. Based on the daily average fuel consumption of 2.8 gallons per 100 miles, you can expect to spend around $70 to $78 on fuel, depending on the exact location you fill up.

Route 2: The Scenic Route on US-65 and US-52

The second route takes US-65 and US-52, which covers 586 miles and takes around 10 hours to complete. This route is a scenic one that passes through cities such as Des Moines, Ames, and Waterloo in Iowa, and then into Minnesota through Rochester and Winona before heading down to La Crosse and crossing the Mississippi River into Wisconsin.

Fuel prices in this region can fluctuate greatly and are influenced by factors such as seasonality or driving demand. The average gas price at the time of writing varies between $2.30 and $3.00/gallon in different states, which can affect your final fuel expense. Based on the same calculations, you can expect to spend between $80 to $90 on fuel on this route.

Route 3: The I-55 Option

The third and final route on our list is I-55, which spans a total of 665 miles and takes around 12 hours to complete. This route takes you through the bustling metropolises of St. Louis, Chicago, and Joliet and can be a great way to take in some city sights.

Fuel prices in cities tend to be higher than in rural areas, so this route is more expensive than the previous ones. Gas prices in St. Louis are around $2.64/gallon, and they trend higher towards Chicago, with prices averaging $2.90/gallon. Based on daily fuel consumption rates and fuel prices, you can expect to spend around $115 to $125 on fuel on this route.

When it comes to choosing the best route, the I-74 option is by far the most cost-effective choice. Not only is it the shortest and therefore requiring less fuel, but it also has lower fuel prices, making it the best bang for your buck.

While the scenic route may be tempting, and taking in the city sights on the I-55 route can be enjoyable, they both require more fuel and time spent on the road. So, unless you’re looking for more time on the road and have enough money to spare, it's best to stick to the I-74 route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a road trip can be a great adventure, but costs can add up fast, especially with fluctuating fuel prices. When planning your next road trip from Cassville, Missouri to Rockford, Illinois, we recommend taking the I-74 route. It's the most cost-effective and fastest option, giving you more time to enjoy the trip instead of worrying about fuel expenses. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to pack wisely and enjoy your adventure!