Estimating the Cost of a Trip from DeForest to Burlington, Wisconsin: A Gas Price Perspective

Traveling between DeForest and Burlington, Wisconsin, involves more than just selecting a route; it requires budgeting for fuel, time, and an array of travel costs. With fluctuating gas prices impacting the overall trip cost, understanding the various routes and their expenses becomes essential.

In this article, we will explore the different routes you can take, calculate the estimated fuel cost based on current gas prices, and recommend the best option for your journey.

Understanding the Distance

Before diving into costs, let’s first establish the distance between DeForest and Burlington. The overall distance is approximately 75 miles, depending on the route chosen. Here, we will evaluate three possible routes: the I-90 E route, the US-12 route, and finally, the scenic countryside route.

Route Options

Route 1: I-90 E Route

The I-90 E route is the most straightforward option. It follows Interstate 90, which is well-maintained and offers a direct path to Burlington.

Distance: Approximately 75 miles.
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Fuel Cost Estimation:

To calculate the cost of fuel, we need to consider the following:

Gas Price: As of the latest update, the average gas price in Wisconsin is around $3.50 per gallon.
Vehicle Fuel Efficiency: We will use an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for this calculation.

Using the formula:

[ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} ]

For this route:

[ \text = \frac{75 \text}{25 \text} = 3 \text ]

Now, multiply the gallons needed by the price per gallon:

[ \text = 3 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 10.50 \text ]

For the I-90 E route, you can expect to pay approximately $10.50 in fuel costs.

Route 2: US-12 Route

The US-12 route is slightly longer but offers a scenic drive through charming Wisconsin towns.

Distance: Approximately 85 miles.
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Fuel Cost Estimation:

Following the same calculations as before:

[ \text = \frac{85 \text}{25 \text} = 3.4 \text ]

Calculating the cost:

[ \text = 3.4 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 11.90 \text ]

On the US-12 route, you can expect to pay around $11.90 in fuel costs.

Route 3: Scenic Countryside Route

For those who prefer to enjoy the picturesque countryside, the scenic route takes you along less-traveled backroads.

Distance: Approximately 95 miles.
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on road conditions.

Fuel Cost Estimation:

Again, using the same formula:

[ \text = \frac{95 \text}{25 \text} = 3.8 \text ]

Calculating the fuel cost:

[ \text = 3.8 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 13.30 \text ]

For the scenic countryside route, anticipate paying approximately $13.30 in fuel costs.

Summary of Route Costs

Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated costs and distances for each route:

Route	Distance (miles)	Estimated Time	Fuel Cost ($)
I-90 E Route	75	1 hour 15 min	10.50
US-12 Route	85	1 hour 30 min	11.90
Scenic Route	95	1 hour 45 min	13.30

Recommendation: Best Route

Given the cost, distance, and time factors, the I-90 E route stands out as the best option for traveling from DeForest to Burlington. It offers a balance of efficiency and affordability with a total cost of just $10.50 for fuel.

The US-12 route may be slightly more enjoyable for those in search of scenic views, but it does come with added time and fuel costs. The scenic route, while beautiful, takes the longest and is the most expensive, making it less practical for those in a hurry or on a budget.

Conclusion

Traveling the I-90 E route from DeForest to Burlington provides a smooth and efficient journey. Covering approximately 75 miles and taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes, this route not only saves time but also minimizes fuel costs to about $10.50. Whether you're heading to Burlington for leisure, work, or visiting friends, this route makes for a cost-effective and straightforward trip.