Driving Cost from Channahon, Illinois to Chicago, Illinois

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The Cost of a Trip between Channahon, Illinois and Chicago, Illinois: Exploring the Different Routes

If you are planning a trip between Channahon, Illinois, and Chicago, Illinois, one of the first things you'll want to consider is the cost of getting there. There are many factors that can influence this cost — from gas prices to tolls and traffic. In this article, we'll explore the different routes you can take to get from Channahon to Chicago and analyze the cost of each one based on current gas prices. We'll also recommend the best route to take based on cost and distance.

The Different Routes

When it comes to driving from Channahon to Chicago, there are a few different routes you can take. Here are the most common:

Route 1: I-55 N and I-90 E

This route takes you from Channahon up I-55 N and then east on I-90 E into Chicago. According to Google Maps, the distance of this route is 54.7 miles, and it should take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete without traffic.

Route 2: IL-53 N and I-290 E

Another option is to take IL-53 N and then connect to I-290 E, which will take you directly into Chicago. This route is slightly longer than Route 1, with a distance of 57.1 miles. However, it should take approximately the same amount of time to complete.

Cost Analysis

Now that we know the different routes we can take, let's take a closer look at the cost of driving each one.

To do this, we'll have to take into account a few factors:

  • Gas prices
  • Tolls
  • Distance

Gas Prices

According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in Illinois as of August 2021 is approximately $3.30 per gallon. To calculate the cost of gas for each route, we'll need to know the average gas mileage of your vehicle.

Let's assume your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

  • Route 1: Since the distance of Route 1 is 54.7 miles, we'll need approximately 2.2 gallons of gas to complete the trip (54.7 / 25 = 2.2). At $3.30 per gallon, the cost of gas for Route 1 is approximately $7.26.
  • Route 2: Since the distance of Route 2 is 57.1 miles, we'll need approximately 2.3 gallons of gas to complete the trip (57.1 / 25 = 2.3). At $3.30 per gallon, the cost of gas for Route 2 is approximately $7.59.

Tolls

In addition to the cost of gas, we'll also need to consider the tolls you'll encounter on each route.

  • Route 1: This route does not have any tolls.
  • Route 2: The main toll you'll encounter on Route 2 is the I-355 tollway. If you start your trip on IL-53 N, you'll have to pay $1.50 to get on I-355. If you continue on I-355 until it merges with I-290, you'll pay an additional $0.60. The total cost of tolls for Route 2 is $2.10.

Distance

Finally, we'll need to consider the distance of each route. This will give us a better idea of the overall cost of the trip.

  • Route 1: The total distance of Route 1 is 54.7 miles. With a gas cost of $7.26 and no tolls, the total cost of this route is $7.26.
  • Route 2: The total distance of Route 2 is 57.1 miles. With a gas cost of $7.59 and tolls of $2.10, the total cost of this route is $9.69.

The Best Route

Based on our cost analysis, Route 1 is the best route to take between Channahon and Chicago. Not only is it slightly more cost-effective than Route 2, but it also has no tolls.

However, it's important to keep in mind that traffic can have a significant impact on the cost and time it takes to complete either route. Depending on the time of day you're traveling, it may be more practical to take a slightly longer route if it means avoiding congestion and delays.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of driving from Channahon to Chicago is relatively affordable, especially if you choose Route 1. With a total cost of $7.26 for gas and no tolls, this route is the most cost-effective way to reach your destination.

Just keep in mind that traffic can play a major role in the time and cost it takes to complete either route. If you're traveling during peak traffic times, it may be worth it to take a slightly longer route if it means avoiding delays.

Happy travels!