The Cost of a Road Trip Between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Potosi, Wisconsin
Taking a road trip can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also be expensive. Costs can vary based on distance, gas prices, and additional expenses such as food and lodging. In this article, we will explore the cost of a road trip between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Potosi, Wisconsin, highlighting the different routes and their associated costs.
The Route Options
When traveling from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Potosi, Wisconsin, there are different routes available. We will look at the three most popular routes, which are the shortest and most straightforward ones.
Route 1: Via US-151 North and WI-35 North
This route involves traveling north on US-151 and then taking WI-35 north toward Potosi. While this path may have some wonderful scenery, it can take approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 184-mile distance.
Route 2: Via US-52 North and US-61 North
This route involves taking US-52 North toward Minnesota and then connecting to US-61 North toward Wisconsin. While this path is attractive and may have several points of interest, the distance to be covered is approximately 237 miles, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours.
Route 3: Via US-151 North and WI-133 East
This route involves traveling north on US-151 and then taking WI-133 East toward Potosi. This path may require more travel on two-lane roads and may be less scenic, but it is the shortest and most direct route. The distance to be covered is approximately 169 miles, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours.
Gas Prices and Costs
When planning a road trip, one of the most significant expenses is fuel. Fuel costs vary based on location, travel distance, and gas prices. In this article, we will look at the current gas prices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Potosi, Wisconsin, and calculate the approximate cost of each route.
According to GasBuddy, the current average gas price in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is $2.838 per gallon. In comparison, the current average gas price in Potosi, Wisconsin, is $2.719 per gallon.
Route 1: Via US-151 North and WI-35 North
For this route, we will use the distance of 184 miles, the average fuel efficiency of a car being 25 miles per gallon, and the current gas price in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Total gallon of gas required = 184 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 7.36 gallons
Total cost of gas = 7.36 gallons x $2.838 per gallon = $20.87
Route 2: Via US-52 North and US-61 North
For this route, we will use the distance of 237 miles, the average fuel efficiency of a car being 25 miles per gallon, and the current gas price in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Total gallon of gas required = 237 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 9.48 gallons
Total cost of gas = 9.48 gallons x $2.838 per gallon = $26.87
Route 3: Via US-151 North and WI-133 East
For this route, we will use the distance of 169 miles, the average fuel efficiency of a car being 25 miles per gallon, and the current gas price in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Total gallon of gas required = 169 miles / 25 miles per gallon = 6.76 gallons
Total cost of gas = 6.76 gallons x $2.838 per gallon = $19.17
Additional Expenses
Apart from gas and fuel costs, there are other expenses to consider when planning a road trip, such as food and lodging. Depending on the duration of the trip and the number of people involved, food and lodging costs can vary.
For anyone traveling from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Potosi, Wisconsin, it is recommended that they bring their food and snacks for the journey. Bringing homemade snacks and meals will minimize the expenses and provide a healthier option compared to buying food at rest stops.
Lodging can also add to the total trip cost. There are several lodging options, such as hotels, motels, and Airbnbs, along the different routes. However, the traveler can choose to spend only one day and return the same day, which would eliminate the need for lodging.
The Best Route to take
Based on the distance, gas prices, and travel time, the best route to take when traveling between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Potosi, Wisconsin, is Route 3: Via US-151 North and WI-133 East. It is the shortest and most direct route, thus saving on fuel costs, and has the shortest travel time.
Route 3 takes the traveler through some charming small towns, and while it may not have the dramatic scenery as the other routes, it is still a fantastic option for a road trip.
Conclusion
In summary, a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Potosi, Wisconsin, is possible and can be done at a reasonable cost. By using Route 3: Via US-151 North and WI-133 East, it saves on fuel costs and minimizes travel time. Therefore, if you are planning a road trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Potosi, Wisconsin, and want to save on costs, Route 3 is the best option.