The Cost of a Trip between Burlington, Iowa and Orlando, Florida: Comparing Routes and Gas Prices

Planning a trip from Burlington, Iowa to Orlando, Florida? Whether for vacation, business, or other reasons, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the trip. With gas prices fluctuating over time and the existence of multiple possible routes, it can be difficult to determine the most affordable option. In this article, we compare the costs and distances of several potential routes for the Burlington-Orlando trip and choose the best one based on data and analysis.

Route #1: IA-61 S and I-55 S

One possible route from Burlington to Orlando is to take IA-61 S and then link up with I-55 S. According to Google Maps, this route covers a distance of 1,156 miles and would take about 18 hours and 50 minutes to drive (without taking into account rest stops and traffic). At the time of writing this article, the average gas price in Iowa is $2.65 per gallon, while the average gas price in Florida is $2.91 per gallon.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be roughly:

1,156 miles ÷ 25 mpg × ($2.65 + $2.91) = $273.88

This figure does not include potential expenses for food, lodging, and tolls. Most of this route passes through Illinois and Missouri, with a section in Kentucky before entering Tennessee on the way to Florida. It may be a good option for those who prefer a straightforward and relatively fast route, but it also involves more urban and highway driving compared to other routes.

Route #2: IA-38 E and I-74 E

Another potential route for the Burlington-Orlando trip is to follow IA-38 E until joining I-74 E. According to Google Maps, this route covers a distance of 1,259 miles and would take approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes (again, excluding resting and traffic considerations). The average gas price in Illinois is $2.71 per gallon, while the average gas price in Florida is $2.91 per gallon as before.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately:

1,259 miles ÷ 25 mpg × ($2.71 + $2.91) = $299.36

Like the first route, this estimate does not account for other potential expenses. However, this route goes through Indiana and a larger portion of Ohio, and it may offer more scenic views and smaller towns to explore. It also involves less highway driving, which could be better for those who avoid high-speed and heavy traffic environments.

Route #3: I-35 S and I-20 E

A third possible route from Burlington to Orlando is to follow I-35 S until joining I-20 E. According to Google Maps, this route covers a distance of 1,425 miles and would take approximately 22 hours and 20 minutes to drive (excluding rest and traffic). The average gas price in Kansas is $2.82 per gallon, while the average gas price in Florida remains at $2.91 per gallon.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately:

1,425 miles ÷ 25 mpg × ($2.82 + $2.91) = $332.82

Again, extra expenses for food, lodging, and tolls are not included in this estimate. This route goes through Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas before entering Louisiana and then Florida. It may be a good option for those who want to spend more time driving through the Midwest and Southern regions of the US and experience different types of landscapes and cultures.

Route #4: I-80 E and I-75 S

A fourth potential route for the Burlington-Orlando trip is to follow I-80 E until joining I-75 S. According to Google Maps, this route covers a distance of 1,409 miles and would take approximately 22 hours and 50 minutes to drive (again, assuming no resting or traffic delays). The average gas price in Indiana is $2.71 per gallon, while the average gas price in Florida remains at $2.91 per gallon.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately:

1,409 miles ÷ 25 mpg × ($2.71 + $2.91) = $332.44

This figure, like previous ones, does not include any additional costs that may arise from the journey, such as overnight stays or meals. Compared to the other routes, this one mainly goes through Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky before entering Tennessee and then Georgia, making it somewhat shorter than Route #3 but still longer than Route #1 and #2. It may be a good choice for those who seek a mix of urban and rural environments and a chance to see some of the historic landmarks and museums along the way.

Recommendation: Route #2

After comparing the above routes for the Burlington-Orlando trip in terms of distance and cost, we recommend Route #2 as the best option. Although it is slightly longer than Route #1 and #4, it also involves less high-speed highway driving, which may be more comfortable and less stressful for some drivers. Additionally, it offers more opportunities to explore smaller towns and scenic views, which could enhance the trip experience for those who prefer a leisurely and scenic drive. The cost of gas for this route is also slightly lower than Route #3, another positive factor to consider.

Conclusion

A trip from Burlington, Iowa to Orlando, Florida can be a fun and memorable experience for anyone who enjoys long drives and discovering new places. However, selecting the right route based on distance and cost can make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of the journey. By comparing the four possible routes, we recommend Route #2 as the most affordable and comfortable option, while acknowledging that each route has its own unique features and attractions. Ultimately, the particular route taken will depend on the individual preferences and priorities of the traveler, but this information should help make the decision process easier and more informed.