The Cost of a Road Trip from Centralia, IL to St. Louis, MO

When planning a road trip, one of the most significant expenses to consider is the cost of gas. The cost of gas varies depending on the car you're driving, the current fuel prices, and the route you choose. If you're planning a trip between Centralia, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, read on to find out the cost of each route and which one is the best option for you.

Route 1: Via I-57 S and I-64 W

The first route is via I-57 S and I-64 W, which is the most direct and quickest route. From Centralia, you would take I-57 S towards Mt. Vernon. After approximately 30 miles, you exit onto I-64 W towards St. Louis. The total distance of this route is approximately 80 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to St. Louis.

The cost of gas for this route varies depending on the current fuel prices. If we assume an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon (which is standard for many cars), you would need about 3 gallons of gas for this trip. At the current average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $7.50.

Route 2: Via IL-161 W and I-64 W

The second route is via IL-161 W and I-64 W. This route is longer than the first one but may be a more scenic route. From Centralia, you would take IL-161 W towards Nashville. After approximately 17 miles, you turn left onto IL-127 S, which becomes IL-158 W. You will then turn right onto IL-4 N and get on I-64 W towards St. Louis. The total distance of this route is approximately 90 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to St. Louis.

The cost of gas for this route is similar to the first one. If we assume an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 3.5 gallons of gas for this trip. At the current average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $8.75.

Route 3: Via IL-127 N and I-70 W

The third and final route is via IL-127 N and I-70 W. This route is the longest of all three but may be the best option if you want to avoid highway tolls. From Centralia, you would take IL-161 E towards Nashville. After approximately 7 miles, turn left onto IL-127 N towards Greenville. You will then turn right onto IL-140 E and continue until you can get on I-70 W towards St. Louis. The total distance of this route is approximately 105 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to St. Louis.

The cost of gas for this route is slightly higher than the other two routes due to its longer distance. If we assume an average mileage of 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 4.2 gallons of gas for this trip. At the current average gas price of $2.50 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $10.50.

Which Route Should You Take?

In terms of cost and distance, the first route via I-57 S and I-64 W is the best option for this trip. It's the most direct route and the shortest distance, which means you'll spend less money on gas. The second route via IL-161 W and I-64 W is slightly longer but may be a more scenic drive. The third route via IL-127 N and I-70 W is the longest and has a higher gas cost, but it may be the best option if you want to avoid highway tolls.

Conclusion

The cost of a road trip between Centralia, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, varies depending on the route you choose and the current gas prices. The most direct route via I-57 S and I-64 W is the cheapest option, with a total gas cost of approximately $7.50. However, the other two routes are also viable options depending on your personal preferences. Whatever route you choose, make sure to factor in potential toll fees and plan your trip accordingly. Happy travels!