The Cost of Driving From Decatur, Illinois to Elkhart, Indiana: A Road Trip Budget Breakdown
Planning a road trip can be exciting, especially when adventure awaits just a few hours away! If you’re considering a journey from Decatur, Illinois, to Elkhart, Indiana, you’ll want to know how much it will cost. Let’s break down a couple of common routes, including their distances, travel times, and gas prices, so you can hit the road prepared!
Route 1: The Quickest Route via I-55 N and I-90 E
This route is typically the fastest way to get to Elkhart. Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Distance: Approximately 151 miles
- Time: Roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Gas Cost:
- Using the average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a car that gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’d need about 6 gallons of gas.
- Thus, your gas cost would be around $21.00.
Additionally, this route does not include tolls, making it a cost-effective choice.
Route 2: Scenic Route via Route 36 and US-31 N
If you have a little more time and prefer a more scenic drive, this alternative route offers some beautiful views, particularly as you approach Elkhart:
- Distance: About 179 miles
- Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Gas Cost:
- Again, with gas at $3.50 per gallon and a fuel economy of 25 mpg, you’d be looking at about 7.16 gallons of gas.
- Therefore, your gas expenditure would be around $25.06.
One thing to note is that this route may have a few small tolls, which could add an additional $3.00 to $5.00 to your total trip cost, depending on your exact path.
Summary
In summary, driving from Decatur to Elkhart can be both wallet-friendly and scenic. If you’re in a hurry, the fastest route via I-55 N keeps your costs lower, with a total expense of about $21.00. On the other hand, if you prefer a leisurely ride with a bit of nature, the scenic route will set you back about $25.06 plus potential tolls.
Regardless of which route you choose, make sure to enjoy the journey and find ways to embrace the little adventures along the way! Safe travels! 🚗💨