The Cost of a Trip Between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Wauconda, Illinois Based on Gas Prices

Traveling between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Wauconda, Illinois can be a great adventure that takes you through scenic midwestern landscapes full of small towns, cornfields, and glimpses of rolling hills. However, before hitting the road, it's important to know how much it will cost you in gas and other expenses to plan accordingly. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one. We will also recommend the best route based on current gas prices and share a conclusion about the trip route and time.

The Different Possible Routes

Before we discuss the cost and distance of each route, it's important to know that there is more than one possible route to get from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Wauconda, Illinois.

One option is to take Interstate 80 East and then switch to Interstate 290 East towards Chicago. This route will take you directly towards Wauconda, but it is also the longest route, spanning across 324 miles. Another possibility is to head south on Interstate 380 for a few miles and then take Highway 30 East, which will eventually lead you to U.S. Highway 20. From there, you can take Highway 53 South towards Wauconda. This route is a bit shorter, clocking in at 229 miles.

The final route is to take Interstate 80 East again but exit onto Interstate 39 North towards Rockford and then take Highway 20 East to Highway 59 South. This route is between 235 and 250 miles, depending on the exact route taken.

The Cost and Distance of Each Route

Now that we know the different possible routes, let's break down how much each one will cost based on current gas prices and distance. According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Iowa is $2.77 per gallon, while in Illinois, it's $3.22 per gallon. These prices can change depending on the location and the time of year, but they provide a good estimate for the cost of the trip.

Route 1: Interstate 80 East and Interstate 290 East

This route is the longest but also the simplest, spanning a distance of 324 miles. Based on current gas prices, it will cost approximately $70 to $95 in gas alone, depending on the fuel efficiency of your car and the route taken. This estimate does not include other expenses, such as food, lodging, or tolls.

Route 2: Highway 30 East and U.S. Highway 20

This route is shorter, covering 229 miles, but it might also be slower, as it passes through more towns and suburbs. The estimated cost of gas for this route is between $50 and $70, again depending on the car and route taken.

Route 3: Interstate 39 North and Highway 20 East

Finally, this route clocks in at around 235 to 250 miles, again depending on the exact roads taken. Gas prices should range from $50 to $75, with the cost varying based on gas prices, car fuel efficiency, and travel conditions.

Recommendation for the Best Route

After considering the cost and distance of each route, we believe that the best route for this trip is Route 2: Highway 30 East and U.S. Highway 20. This route is shorter than Route 1 but also avoids some of the heavy city traffic on Route 3. Additionally, it provides a more scenic drive through small towns and rural landscapes that many travelers will appreciate.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a trip between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Wauconda, Illinois, will depend on the route taken, the fuel efficiency of the car, and the current gas prices. Based on our estimates, Route 2 is the best option, costing between $50 and $70 in gas and offering a shorter but also more scenic ride. Regardless of the route taken, the beauty of the Midwest, with its verdant fields, farms, and small-town charms, is a trip that you won't forget.