The Cost of Driving From Dunlap to Arlington Heights: A Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a drive from Dunlap, Illinois, to Arlington Heights? You're in the right place! Let's break down the costs involved, focusing on different routes, so you can make the most informed decision. With gas prices fluctuating, it's great to have a clear idea of what you're looking at for this trip.

Route 1: The Quickest Option via I-55 and I-90

Distance: 131 miles
Time: 2 hours
Gas Cost: Approximately $20.00
Toll Cost: Approximately $8.00

The quickest and most direct route from Dunlap to Arlington Heights takes you through major highways, specifically I-55 and I-90. This route usually has moderate traffic, allowing you to cover the distance efficiently.

To calculate your gas costs, let’s consider that the average gas price in mid-October 2023 hovers around $4.00 per gallon. With a fuel-efficient vehicle that gets about 30 miles per gallon, you'll need about 4.4 gallons of gas for this trip, setting you back around $17.60 on fuel. Then, if you factor in tolls, you’re looking at a total trip cost of about $25.60.

Route 2: A Scenic Drive via I-74 and I-90

Distance: 140 miles
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Gas Cost: Approximately $21.00
Toll Cost: Approximately $6.00

If you prefer a scenic alternative, this route via I-74 takes you through some classic Illinois landscapes. While it's a bit longer, the countryside views can make the drive enjoyable.

Using the same gas price assumptions, this route will require approximately 4.7 gallons of gas, totaling around $18.80. Plus, with the lesser tolls on this route, your total trip cost will be about $24.80.

Route 3: The Budget-Friendly Adventure via Local Routes

Distance: 145 miles
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Gas Cost: Approximately $22.00
Toll Cost: $0.00

For those who want to save a few bucks and enjoy some local sites, you can take a more scenic route through smaller highways. Although it's the longest in terms of distance, it doesn't incur any toll costs, and the time spent can be quite relaxing.

If we go with the higher distance, you'll need about 4.9 gallons of gas, amounting to $19.60. Since there are zero tolls, your total trip cost will round out to about $19.60. A great option for the budget traveler!

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you take from Dunlap to Arlington Heights, you can plan accordingly based on your preferences—whether that’s time efficiency, scenic beauty, or saving a bit on tolls. Always remember to check for real-time traffic updates and gas prices, as they can fluctuate significantly! Happy driving, and enjoy your trip!