The Cost of Driving From Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Before you hit the road, it's essential to calculate the cost of your journey, taking into account gas prices, toll fees, and the different routes available. In this blog post, we'll break down the costs and information about various routes, so you can plan your trip efficiently and enjoy a hassle-free drive.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

If you're looking to reach Philadelphia as quickly as possible, the fastest route covers a distance of approximately 875 miles and takes around 13 hours of driving time. This route is ideal if you value efficiency over picturesque scenery.

Gas Prices: On average, gas prices in the Midwest region are currently around $2.89 per gallon¹. Considering the distance, you'll need to budget for about 31 gallons of gas for the trip, amounting to approximately $90.

Toll Fees: It's important to consider toll costs, especially when selecting expressways and turnpikes. On this route, you'll encounter tolls on the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania turnpikes. The total toll cost is estimated to be around $65².

Route 2: The Scenic Adventure

For those who prefer a scenic drive and want to explore some sights along the way, consider taking this route. Covering a distance of approximately 950 miles and taking around 15 hours of driving time, this option provides you with beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to make memorable stops.

Gas Prices: As mentioned earlier, the average gas price is around $2.89 per gallon in the Midwest¹. For this route, you should budget for around 34 gallons of gas, totaling approximately $98.

Toll Fees: Similar to the fastest route, you'll encounter tolls on the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania turnpikes. The total toll cost is estimated to be around $65².

Route 3: The Cost-Conscious Choice

If you're looking to save some money on gas and toll fees, you might want to consider this route. While it may add a bit of time to your journey, it offers an opportunity to explore different cities along the way. Covering a distance of approximately 950 miles and taking around 16 hours of driving time, this route is perfect for those traveling on a budget.

Gas Prices: On this route, you'll likely encounter varying gas prices across different regions. However, we can estimate an average gas price of $2.89 per gallon¹. With this in mind, you should budget for around 34 gallons of gas, totaling approximately $98.

Toll Fees: Since this route generally avoids expressways and turnpikes, there are fewer tolls to worry about. You may encounter a few small tolls, but the total cost is estimated to be around $10.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of the different routes available, their distances, driving times, and associated costs, you can make an informed decision based on your preferences and budget. Whether you're in a hurry, seeking adventures, or trying to save some money, planning ahead is vital to ensure a successful and enjoyable road trip.

Remember to factor in possible fluctuations in gas prices and any additional expenses you may incur along the way. Safe travels and happy exploring!