The Cost of a Trip between Centralia, Missouri and Waukegan, Illinois

If you're planning a road trip from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois, there are a few factors to consider that can impact the cost of your trip. From gas prices to distance, toll roads, and routes to take, there are numerous aspects that can affect the overall cost of your travels. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different routes you can take, and the costs that you can expect to incur.

Possible Routes to Take

There are three possible routes to take when traveling from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois. The first route is via I-70 W and I-55 N and I-55 S. The second is via I-57 N. The third is a combination of both, taking I-57 N and I-55 N.

Route One: I-70 W, I-55 N, and I-55 S

The first possible route to take when traveling from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois is via I-70 W, I-55 N, and I-55 S. This route is about 367 miles long and takes approximately six hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through various towns and cities, including St. Louis, Springfield, and Joliet.

This route requires you to pay for tolls at various locations. For example, you'll have to pay tolls at the Illinois and Missouri borders, as well as at the I-55 toll plaza located at milepost 279.2. The cost per toll varies depending on the location, but on average, it costs around $1.50 per toll. Therefore, you can expect to pay around $7.50 in total for tolls.

The total gas cost for this route (calculated with gas prices as of August 24th, 2021) will be around $55.20. This is based on an average fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon, and an average gas price of $3.11 per gallon.

Route Two: I-57 N

The second possible route to take when traveling from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois involves taking I-57 N. This route covers around 356 miles and takes approximately six hours and forty minutes to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through various towns and cities, including Marion, Mount Vernon, and Kankakee.

Unlike the first route, this route does not require you to pay for any tolls. However, the gas cost for this route is a bit higher. Based on the same assumptions as Route One, the total gas cost for this route will be around $60.40.

Route Three: I-57 N and I-55 N

The third possible route is a combination of both Route One and Route Two. You'll start by taking I-57 N, then merge onto I-55 N. This route is around 382 miles long and takes approximately six hours and thirty-seven minutes to complete.

This route requires you to pay for tolls, just like the first route. Therefore, you'll have to pay around $7.50 for tolls. The gas cost for this route is also higher than Route Two but lower than Route One. Based on the same criteria, the total gas cost for this route will be around $57.60.

Recommendations: The Best Route

Based on the factors discussed above, we recommend taking Route Two when traveling from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois. While this route has a higher gas cost than Route One, it does not require you to pay for any tolls. Route Three, while a good alternative, has tolls and higher gas costs than Route Two. Therefore, Route Two is the most cost-effective option for this trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Centralia, Missouri to Waukegan, Illinois depends on several factors, including the route you take, the distance, tolls, and gas prices. While there are three potential routes to take, we recommend taking Route Two, which covers 356 miles and takes approximately six hours and forty minutes to complete. This route has no tolls, making it the most cost-effective option, with a gas cost of around $60.40. By taking the time to plan your route and factor in all the potential costs, you'll be able to enjoy a smooth and stress-free trip.