The Cost of a Trip Between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa in Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa can be daunting, particularly when trying to budget for gas expenses. Fortunately, with gas prices at an all-time low, this journey is not as expensive as it might have been just a few short years ago.

The Different Possible Routes

When traveling between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa, there are several possible routes you can take. Some of the most common routes include:

The Northern Route

Perhaps the most commonly traveled route between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa is the Northern route. This route typically involves driving through Wyoming, South Dakota, and Minnesota. This route usually entails driving on major highways, including I-80 and I-35, which makes it both straightforward and convenient.

The distance of this route is approximately 1,500 miles, and it takes about 23-24 hours to complete the trip. Depending on the specific make and model of the car, and the total number of miles per gallon it is able to achieve, the total gas expense for this Northern route can vary considerably. However, this route is typically one of the most affordable options and offers plenty of gas stations and roadside services along the way.

The Southern Route

Another popular route between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa is the Southern route. This route typically involves driving through Utah, Colorado, and Kansas. Like the Northern route, this journey is typically completed on major highways including I-70 and I-35.

At approximately 1,800 miles, the Southern route is slightly longer than the Northern route, and it will take approximately 26-27 hours to complete the trip. On the other hand, this route offers more sightseeing opportunities with national parks, mountains, and lakes along the way, but it can be more costly due to fewer gas stations and roadside services.

The Eastern Route

Finally, some travelers may choose to take the Eastern route between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa. This route typically involves driving through Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota. This route is the longest, coming in at just over 1,900 miles, and might take around 29 hours to complete the trip.

The Eastern route is less popular primarily because it has the least population centers with few amenities with limited access to gasoline stations. This route is only recommended for those who want the most scenic and peaceful journey and are willing to make more preparations and arrangements beforehand.

The Cost of Each Route

When budgeting for a road trip, it is crucial to factor in the cost of gas. While gas prices vary depending on time and location, the price of gasoline at the time of this article's writing was $2.85 per gallon.

The Northern Route

With the Northern route, a car that averages 25 miles per gallon can expect to use between 55 and 60 gallons of gasoline. This means that, at $2.85 per gallon, the total cost of gas for that leg of the journey will range from $156.75 to $171.

As noted earlier, this route does have more access to gas stations, which can give you many choices to fill up and could beat the average prices.

The Southern Route

With the Southern route, a car that averages 25 miles per gallon can expect to use between 70 and 75 gallons of gasoline. This means that, at $2.85 per gallon, the total cost of gas for that leg of the journey will range from $199.50 to $213.75.

This route may be more expensive than the Northern route due to fewer gas stations and more scenic areas.

The Eastern Route

With the Eastern route, a car that averages 25 miles per gallon can expect to use between 75 and 80 gallons of gasoline. This means that, at $2.85 per gallon, the total cost of gas for that leg of the journey will range from $213.75 to $228.

This route is the longest and has limited gas stations and roadside services making longer preparations a must.

Recommended Route and Cost Estimate

Given all the details, the Northern route is typically the best option for most road travelers. The route is the most direct and economically, with more access to gas stations and fewer obstacles. After factoring in the cost of gas and time, the estimated total spending based on average costs would be around $170-$180 which is an attractive option for budget travel.

Conclusion

A trip between Boise, Idaho and Des Moines, Iowa is an exciting and scenic adventure that doesn't have to break the bank. With affordable gas prices, travelers can hit the road with confidence. The Northern route is the most popular and best option for those who want a direct, convenient, and less expensive trip. With this route, you can expect to spend about 23-24 hours on the road, covering approximately 1,500 miles, and spending about $170 - $180 on gas if you're driving a car with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. Get ready for an adventure that will be fun, memorable, and affordable!