Driving Cost from Delaware City, Delaware to Chicago, Illinois

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Road Trip Budget: The Cost of Driving from Delaware City, Delaware to Chicago, Illinois

Planning a road trip can be exciting, but one essential aspect you don’t want to overlook is the cost! If you're thinking about driving from Delaware City, Delaware, to Chicago, Illinois, you'll need to keep both your fuel expenses and possible toll fees in mind. Let’s take a closer look at different routes you can take, how far they are, how long each will take, and what you can expect to spend on gas along the way.

Route 1: I-95 N to I-76 W

This route takes you through Philadelphia and offers a smooth drive on major highways. Here are the details:

  • Distance: Approximately 800 miles
  • Time: Expect about 12 hours of driving time
  • Gas Cost: Assuming an average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle's fuel efficiency is around 25 MPG, you'll need about 32 gallons of gas. This would bring your fuel cost to approximately $112.

You should also consider tolls when taking this route. The total toll fees will likely amount to about $30, depending on how many highways you take and where you enter them.

Estimated Total Cost for Route 1: $142

Route 2: I-295 N to I-70 W

If you're looking for a slightly longer but scenic route, try going via I-295 and transitioning onto I-70. This route takes you a bit more inland and offers fantastic views of the countryside.

  • Distance: Approximately 820 miles
  • Time: Plan for 13 hours of travel
  • Gas Cost: With gas prices still at $3.50 per gallon and the same vehicle efficiency of 25 MPG, you’ll need around 33 gallons of gas, costing about $115.50.

Tolls will be minimized on this route, with potential tolls amounting to about $15.

Estimated Total Cost for Route 2: $130.50

Route 3: I-95 N to I-80 W

For a more direct route with fewer urban distractions, consider taking I-95 and then heading west on I-80. This road takes you across a mix of rural areas and suburban regions.

  • Distance: Roughly 780 miles
  • Time: Roughly 11.5 hours of driving
  • Gas Cost: Again, with gas prices at $3.50 per gallon, you’ll need about 31 gallons, totaling $108.50 at the pump.

This route has varying tolls, but you can expect to spend around $25 in total.

Estimated Total Cost for Route 3: $133.50

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best route from Delaware City to Chicago depends on your preferences for scenery, speed, and expenses. Regardless of which route you select, each option outlines pretty comparable costs, keeping your wallet relatively happy. To sum it up, here’s a quick recap of total estimated costs based on the routes:

  • Route 1: $142
  • Route 2: $130.50
  • Route 3: $133.50

With some planning and anticipation, your road trip to Chicago can be both enjoyable and budget-friendly. Fill up the tank, hit the road, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey! Safe travels!