The Cost of a Road Trip between Bettendorf, Iowa and Atlanta, Georgia
Are you planning to hit the road and take a trip between Bettendorf, Iowa and Atlanta, Georgia? As with any trip, it's important to consider the cost. The good news is that with a little planning, you can save money on gas and other expenses. In this article, we'll break down the cost of different routes and recommend the best one for your trip.
Route Options
Before we dive into the cost, let's discuss the different routes you can take between Bettendorf and Atlanta.
Route 1: I-80 E and I-74 E
This route takes you through Illinois and Indiana before heading south to cut through the middle of Kentucky and Tennessee. You'll then head east on I-24, making your way to Atlanta. This route is approximately 825 miles long and takes approximately 12 hours and 35 minutes.
Route 2: I-80 E, I-74 E, and I-75 S
This route includes the same path as route 1 but extends further south, veering off onto I-75 once you reach Knoxville. This route is approximately 919 miles long and takes approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes.
Route 3: I-74 E and I-65 S
This route takes you through Indiana and heads straight south into Kentucky. You'll then pick up I-65 and take it all the way down to Atlanta. This route is approximately 710 miles long and takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes.
Gas Prices
Now that we know the different routes, let's take a look at gas prices. Gas prices can fluctuate based on the state, city, and even the time of year. As of July 2021, the average gas price in Iowa is $2.93 per gallon and in Georgia, it's $2.93 per gallon.
To calculate the cost of gas for your trip, you'll need to know the mileage of your vehicle and how many miles per gallon it gets. For this example, we'll use a car that gets 30 miles per gallon.
Route 1 Cost
If you take Route 1, which is approximately 825 miles long, you'll need 27.5 gallons of gas for the round trip (55 gallons total). At an average price of $2.93/gallon, you'll need to budget $160.15 for gas.
Route 2 Cost
If you take Route 2, which is approximately 919 miles long, you'll need 30.6 gallons of gas for the round trip (61.2 gallons total). At an average price of $2.93/gallon, you'll need to budget $178.96 for gas.
Route 3 Cost
If you take Route 3, which is approximately 710 miles long, you'll need 23.7 gallons of gas for the round trip (47.4 gallons total). At an average price of $2.93/gallon, you'll need to budget $138.85 for gas.
Other Costs
Gas is likely to be your biggest expense, but there are other costs to consider as well. These can include:
Food and drinks: Depending on how long you plan to be on the road, you may need to budget for meals and snacks. Consider packing a cooler with drinks and snacks to save money.
Tolls: Depending on the route you take, you may encounter tolls. Be sure to factor these into your budget.
Lodging: If you plan to make this a multi-day trip, you'll need to budget for lodging.
Our Recommendation
After considering the different routes and costs, we recommend taking Route 3. While it's slightly shorter than Route 1, it's also cheaper in terms of gas costs. It's also more straightforward than Route 2, which includes an additional turn onto I-75 in Knoxville.
Conclusion
A road trip between Bettendorf, Iowa and Atlanta, Georgia can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it's important to budget accordingly. By calculating gas prices, factoring in other costs, and choosing the most cost-effective route, you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. We recommend taking Route 3, which is the most affordable option in terms of gas costs. The total trip time is approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes, which allows for plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and make stops along the way. Happy travels!