The Cost of a Road-Trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Broaddus, Texas in Today’s Market

Road-trips have always been a popular way to travel for people who love the adventure of the journey as much as the destination. However, while gas prices may vary at any given time, the expense of traveling on the road is always a factor to consider.

If you are planning a trip from Cedar Falls, Iowa to Broaddus, Texas, this article will help you calculate the cost of the journey with the latest gas prices and help you find the most budget-friendly route.

Route Options

Before we dive into the budget details, let's take a look at the three possible routes you can take for this trip.

Route 1: I-35 S and I-45 S

The first route is the most direct one, and it goes through Interstate 35 South and then along Interstate 45 South. This route is approximately 1103 miles long.

Route 2: US-65 S and US-71 S

The second option is to take US-65 S and US-71 S. This route is 1112 miles long, so it's just a little bit longer than the first one.

Route 3: US-65 S, US-71 S, and I-49 S

Finally, the third option is to take the hybrid route of US-65 S, US-71 S, and then switch to I-49 S. This one is the longest of the three options, covering 1140 miles.

Now let’s take a look at the budget considerations for each route.

Budget Breakdown

The cost of your road-trip will depend on various factors: the gas prices, your car’s fuel efficiency, and the route you choose. For this article, we will consider gas prices at the time of writing, which is around $2.50 per gallon. Below, we will outline the cost to travel each possible route, and how to manage your budget to keep your expenses in check.

Route 1: I-35 S and I-45 S

This route may be the most direct way to reach your destination, but it may also be the most fuel-costly. The route’s total distance is 1,103 miles which would mean you would need an estimated 20 gallons of gas one way for a midsize car with a fuel efficiency of approximately 27 miles per gallon. So the total cost to fill your tank would be about $50 and a total of $200 for the roundtrip.

Route 2: US-65 S and US-71 S

The second route, which includes US-65 S and US-71 S, is only about nine miles longer than the first, and it might not be as expensive. With a total distance of 1112 miles, a midsize car with a fuel efficiency of approximately 27 miles per gallon would need an estimated 20.5 gallons of gas one way. So the total cost to fill your tank would be about $51, and for the round trip would be $204.

Route 3: US-65 S, US-71 S, and I-49 S

Finally, we have the third option, which goes through US-65 S, US-71 S, and I-49 S, the longest of the three routes. With a total distance of 1140 miles, a midsize car with a fuel efficiency of approximately 27 miles per gallon would require approximately 21 gallons of gas one way. So the total cost to fill the tank would be about $53 and $212 for the round trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the second route via US-65 S and US-71 S is more budget-friendly than the other two. Although it is only nine miles longer than the first one, it runs through two-lane highways mainly, allowing you to drive at moderate speeds and save gas in the process. Furthermore, you can make numerous pit stops and explore some fantastic landmarks along the way. Some suggested stops include the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Iowa and the Bass Pro Shops in Missouri.

As for the round trip's driving time, 1,112 miles could take about 17 hours if you drive 65 miles per hour. However, the length of your trip will depend on your speed and the number of stops you make along the way.

Ultimately, whichever route you choose, don’t forget to take the weather and the time of day into consideration before starting your journey and always take regular breaks to ensure you can focus on the road ahead. Happy road-tripping!