Driving Cost from Darien, Illinois to Mequon, Wisconsin

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The Cost of a Trip from Darien, Illinois to Mequon, Wisconsin: Navigating Routes and Expenses

Planning a road trip from Darien, Illinois to Mequon, Wisconsin offers not just a chance to explore beautiful landscapes but also an opportunity to evaluate travel costs. The journey spans approximately 80 to 90 miles, depending on the route you choose. As of October 2023, with gas prices fluctuating around $3.50 per gallon, understanding the total travel expenses can inform your plans and budgeting. This article delves into various routes, estimated travel costs based on current gas prices, and ultimately recommends the best route for your trip.

Estimating Fuel Costs

Before diving into specific routes, it’s essential to determine how much fuel you will need for the trip. Assume your vehicle averages about 25 miles per gallon (mpg), a fair estimate for many sedans and SUVs. The total distance for the trip ranges from 80 to 90 miles, resulting in a need for approximately 3.2 to 3.6 gallons of gas.

Using the current gas price of $3.50 per gallon, you can calculate the total fuel expense:

  • For an 80-mile trip:

    • Gallons needed: 80 miles / 25 mpg = 3.2 gallons
    • Cost: 3.2 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $11.20

  • For a 90-mile trip:

    • Gallons needed: 90 miles / 25 mpg = 3.6 gallons
    • Cost: 3.6 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $12.60

Thus, your fuel expenditure will range between $11.20 and $12.60 for the trip.

Route Options

Route 1: I-90 W and I-94 W

The most common route between Darien and Mequon is via I-90 W and I-94 W.

  1. Starting Point: Darien, IL
  2. Distance: Approximately 90 miles
  3. Travel Time: About 1 hour and 40 minutes without heavy traffic

Detailed Breakdown:

  • Head north from Darien onto I-55 N.
  • Merge onto I-90 W towards Rockford.
  • Continue on I-90 W, then take I-94 N towards Milwaukee.
  • Take exit 46B for Brown Deer Rd toward WI-100 N.
  • Follow Brown Deer Rd (which turns into Mequon Rd) until you reach Mequon.

Fuel Cost for Route 1:

  • Using the above calculations, fare can range from $11.20 to $12.60.

Route 2: I-294 N

An alternative route involves taking the I-294 N (the Tri-State Tollway) then transitioning to I-94 W.

  1. Starting Point: Darien, IL
  2. Distance: Approximately 85 miles
  3. Travel Time: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, traffic permitting

Detailed Breakdown:

  • Start on I-55 N from Darien.
  • Merge onto I-294 N (follow signs for Tollway to Wisconsin).
  • Merge onto I-94 W towards Milwaukee.
  • Take exit 46B for Brown Deer Rd, continuing as described above.

Toll Costs: This route incurs toll fees that could add an extra $1.50 to $3.00 to your trip, depending on the entry and exit points along the tollway.

Fuel Cost for Route 2: In addition to fuel costs between $11.20 and $12.60, factoring in the tolls, your total could reach $12.70 to $15.60.

Route 3: Local Roads (Scenic Route)

For those looking to explore small towns and backroads, a more scenic route could be taken via local roads.

  1. Starting Point: Darien, IL
  2. Distance: Approximately 85 miles
  3. Travel Time: A leisurely 2 hours or more, depending on stops

Detailed Breakdown:

  • Head north through local roads towards Elmhurst.
  • Continue north through small towns like Woodridge and Downers Grove.
  • Merge back onto I-94 W once in Wisconsin.
  • Exit at Brown Deer Rd and follow into Mequon.

Fuel Cost for Route 3: This route, while potentially longer in travel time, will still reflect the same fuel cost of $11.20 to $12.60 with possibly higher consumption if driving through slower speeds and traffic.

Best Route Recommendation

After evaluating the three potential routes, the I-90 W and I-94 W route stands out as the best option. This route offers a balance between efficiency and scenery, avoiding toll fees without compromising travel time significantly. It remains the most direct and gives drivers the convenience of highway driving, typically resulting in fewer stops and more consistent speed.

In terms of cost, it provides a reasonable fuel expense between $11.20 and $12.60 — a suitable price for the distance covered, especially when compared to the additional toll charges incurred on the I-294 N route.

Conclusion

The trip from Darien, Illinois to Mequon, Wisconsin offers a delightful escape, passing through a mix of highways and potentially beautiful landscapes. With a travel time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes, choosing the I-90 W and I-94 W route proves to be the most effective and affordable way to experience this journey. Overall, budget around $11.20 to $12.60 for fuel, ensuring you plan accordingly for a smooth drive and enjoyable adventure ahead.