Driving Cost from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Palos Park, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Traveling from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Palos Park, Illinois during High Gas Prices

With summer around the corner, many people will be planning road trips with their friends and family. However, with the current high gas prices, it becomes a challenge. This article will focus on the cost of traveling between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Palos Park, Illinois, and provide recommendations for the best route to take.

The Distance between Cedar Rapids and Palos Park

The distance between the two cities is approximately 262 miles. The driving time should be around 4 hours if one takes a direct route. However, there are several ways to get there, and each has its pros and cons in terms of cost and distance.

Different Routes to Take

Here, we will outline the different routes one can take from Cedar Rapids to Palos Park.

Route One: I-80 E

This route is the most direct and often the fastest way to get to Palos Park. However, it's also the most expensive, with tolls and longer driving miles. Here's a breakdown of the cost:

  • The distance: 271 miles

  • Fuel cost: This route is the farthest, and thus, the most expensive. With a fuel economy of around 30 miles per gallon, one can expect to spend an average of $28-29 on this route.

  • Tolls: Since this route passes through several toll roads in Illinois, one can expect to spend around $12-15 on tolls. This cost may vary, depending on the vehicle size and the number of people on board.

Route Two: I-88 E

One can also take the I-88 E route to Palos Park from Cedar Rapids. This route is shorter, has lesser traffic and cost-effective in fuel and toll rates. Here is the breakdown of the cost:

  • The distance: 250 miles

  • Fuel cost: With a fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, one should expect to spend around $25-26 on fuel costs.

  • Tolls: This route has fewer tolls, and one should expect to spend around $8-10 on tolls.

Route Three: I-80 E and IL-71 N

Another route one can take is using I-80 E to Ottawa then using the IL-71 N road to Palos Park. This route is relatively less expensive, with tolls and fuel costs lower than both routes mentioned above. Here is a breakdown of the cost

  • Distance: 245 miles

  • Fuel cost: With a fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, one should expect to spend around $25 on fuel costs.

  • Tolls: There are fewer tolls if one uses this route, and one should expect to spend around $5-8 on tolls.

Which Route Is the Best?

After looking at each route's cost, it is clear that the I-80 E and IL-71 N route is the most cost-effective. This route is also shorter, with fewer tolls, and has a beautiful countryside scenic view to enjoy during the trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are traveling from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Palos Park, Illinois, and you are looking to save on fuel and toll costs, the best route to take is the I-80 and IL-71 N route. It is 245 miles, which should take you around 4 hours to drive without traffic. Remember to keep in mind gas prices when planning your travels, and always drive safely. Happy travels!