The Cost of a Trip between Champaign, Illinois and Wabash, Indiana: A Guide to Traveling on a Budget

Traveling by car is often the most cost-effective option for making the trek between cities. But with so many route options available, how can you be sure you're choosing the most cost-effective one? In this guide, we'll explore the different routes between Champaign, Illinois and Wabash, Indiana and provide you with tips on how to travel on a budget.

Route 1: I-74 East to I-465 South

This route covers a distance of approximately 155 miles and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The good news is that much of the journey is along major highways so it's easy to find gas stations, food, and other amenities along the way. The bad news is that the tolls can add up, making this one of the pricier routes.

Toll Fees

Indiana Toll Road (Portions of I-80/I-90) - $14.10 (passenger vehicle)
RiverLink Toll Bridge (Between Kentucky and Indiana) - $4.10 (one-way)
Total Toll Fees: $18.20 (one-way)

Gas Prices

According to GasBuddy.com, the average gas price in Champaign, IL is currently $2.75 per gallon, while the average gas price in Wabash, IN is $2.68 per gallon. Assuming a vehicle with a 15-gallon tank, the cost of gas one-way would be:

Champaign, IL to Wabash, IN (155 miles) - $29.63

Total Cost

Toll Fees: $18.20
Gas: $29.63
Total Estimated Cost (One-way): $47.83

Route 2: I-74 East to IN-18 East

This route covers a distance of approximately 165 miles and takes around 3 hours to complete. While this route may be longer, it has the added benefit of no toll fees. It does, however, require driving on smaller roads which may have fewer amenities along the way.

Toll Fees

None

Gas Prices

Champaign, IL to Wabash, IN (165 miles) - $31.68

Total Cost

Toll Fees: $0.00
Gas: $31.68
Total Estimated Cost (One-way): $31.68

Route 3: US-24 East

This route covers a distance of approximately 140 miles and takes around 3 hours to complete. While it does not have any toll fees, it does require driving on smaller roads through rural areas, which may not have as many amenities.

Toll Fees

None

Gas Prices

Champaign, IL to Wabash, IN (140 miles) - $26.85

Total Cost

Toll Fees: $0.00
Gas: $26.85
Total Estimated Cost (One-way): $26.85

Route 4: IL-1 South to US-41 South to IN-63 South to IN-18 East

This route covers a distance of approximately 145 miles and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. While it does not have toll fees, it does require driving on smaller roads through rural areas which may not have as many amenities.

Toll Fees

None

Gas Prices

Champaign, IL to Wabash, IN (145 miles) - $27.75

Total Cost

Toll Fees: $0.00
Gas: $27.75
Total Estimated Cost (One-way): $27.75

Route Recommendations

All of the route options have their pros and cons, but if you're looking for the most cost-effective option, Route 3 (US-24 East) is the clear winner. Not only is it the shortest route, but it also has no toll fees and the cost of gas is the lowest out of all the options.

Conclusion

Traveling from Champaign, Illinois to Wabash, Indiana by car can be a great way to save money compared to other travel methods. By choosing a route like US-24 East, you can maximize your savings and make the most out of your trip without worrying about breaking the bank. The journey may take a little longer than some of the other routes, but with careful planning, you can arrive at your destination with ease and know that you've traveled on a budget.