The Cost of a Road Trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Davenport, Iowa

Traveling by car can be an exciting way to explore new places, connect with family and friends, or simply enjoy the journey. However, planning a road trip often includes the cost factor, which includes gas prices, tolls, and other expenses. In this article, we will analyze the cost of a trip between Atlanta, Georgia, and Davenport, Iowa, based on current gas prices, different route options, and recommendations.

Route Options

There are several route options to travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to Davenport, Iowa, ranging from the shortest to the longest distance. Here are some of the route options available:

Route 1: I-65 N, I-74 W

One route option is to take I-65 N and I-74 W, which is the shortest distance between the two cities, covering a distance of 755 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 11 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

Route 2: I-65 N, I-57 N

Another route option is to take I-65 N and I-57 N, which is slightly longer than Route 1, covering a distance of 840 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 12 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

Route 3: I-20 W, I-35 N

Route 3 is the longest option, covering a distance of 1,110 miles, and it is not commonly used. This route goes through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, before reaching Iowa. The estimated driving time for this route is around 17 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are an essential factor to consider when planning a road trip. The prices of gasoline vary according to the state, the city, and even the gas station. According to the AAA Gas Prices website, as of July 2021, the national average gas price is around $3.15 per gallon. However, gas prices in different states vary considerably. For example, gas prices in Georgia average $2.94 per gallon, while in Iowa, the average is around $3.05 per gallon.

Cost Estimation

Here's an estimation of the cost of a round trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Davenport, Iowa, based on the different route options and current gas prices. The calculations are based on the average fuel economy of a standard vehicle, which is around 25 miles per gallon.

Route 1: I-65 N, I-74 W

If we take Route 1, which covers a distance of 755 miles, we will need around 30 gallons of gasoline for a round trip. Considering the current average gas prices in Georgia and Iowa, the total cost of gas for the trip would be around $89.10.

Route 2: I-65 N, I-57 N

If we take Route 2, which is longer by 85 miles, we will need more gasoline. For a round trip, we will need around 34 gallons of gas, which would cost around $103.40, considering the current gas prices.

Route 3: I-20 W, I-35 N

If we take Route 3, which is the longest, we will need around 45 gallons of gas for a round trip, which would cost around $137.50, considering the current gas prices.

Tolls and Other Expenses

Apart from gas prices, tolls and other expenses can also add to the cost of a road trip. However, if we analyze these expenses, we find that they are negligible compared to gas costs.

Tolls

There are few toll roads between Atlanta, Georgia, and Davenport, Iowa. If we take Route 1, we will need to pay tolls in Indiana, which will cost around $10. If we take Route 2, we will face tolls in Illinois, amounting to around $22. Therefore, toll expenses for this trip would range from $10 to $22, depending on the route.

Other Expenses

Other expenses, such as hotel accommodation, meals, and entertainment, can add to the cost of the trip. However, these expenses can vary depending on personal preferences and budget limitations.

Recommendation

After analyzing the different route options and gas prices, we recommend taking Route 1, which is the shortest and most direct route. It also has the lowest gas cost of around $89.10 for a round trip. Although Route 2 is only slightly longer, it involves higher gas expenses, making it a less economical option.

Conclusion

Traveling by car from Atlanta, Georgia, to Davenport, Iowa, can be a memorable experience. However, it is essential to plan ahead and factor in the cost. We analyzed three different route options, highlighting their distances, driving times, and gas costs. We recommend taking Route 1, which offers the shortest distance and lowest gas expenses. Overall, taking this route, you can expect to spend around $100 on gas for a round trip, depending on your car's fuel economy and current gas prices. Enjoy your trip!