Driving Cost from Downers Grove, Illinois to Oak Forest, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Downers Grove to Oak Forest: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a road trip from Downers Grove to Oak Forest? You’re in for a lovely drive, but it’s good to know the costs ahead of time. With gas prices bouncing around and the presence of tolls, it pays to do your homework. Below, we’ll explore a couple of routes, including their distance, time, and cost, helping you budget for your trip!

Route 1: The Direct Route via I-55 S

Overview

The first route is the most straightforward: take I-55 S directly toward Oak Forest.

  • Distance: 27 miles
  • Estimated Time: 35 minutes

This route allows for a smooth drive on the highway, letting you enjoy the scenery without too many stops.

Cost Calculations

Now let's break down the expenses. As of this writing, the average gas price is about $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your car gets around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 1.08 gallons for this trip. This means your gas cost will be approximately:

  • Gas Cost: $3.78

Don’t forget about tolls! On this route, expect to pay around $1.50 for the I-55 tolls.

Overall, your total cost for this direct route will be around $5.28. Not too shabby for a quick trip!

Route 2: The Scenic Route via IL-83 S

Overview

Looking for a more scenic drive? You might opt for IL-83 S. This route meanders through some charming neighborhoods and parks.

  • Distance: 29 miles
  • Estimated Time: 40 minutes

This route may take a little longer, but the varied sights can make the extra time worthwhile.

Cost Calculations

Using the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon, you’ll need approximately 1.16 gallons for this drive. Thus, your gasoline cost comes to:

  • Gas Cost: $4.06

You’ll encounter a couple of tolls along this way as well, totaling about $2.00.

Combining your gas and toll expenses brings the total for this scenic trip to around $6.06.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you choose the direct I-55 route or the more scenic IL-83 route, both will offer a delightful experience. You can expect total costs of $5.28 for the quicker route and $6.06 for the scenic option. With this knowledge in hand, you can pack your bags and hit the road, all while keeping a careful eye on your budget! Enjoy your trip from Downers Grove to Oak Forest!