Driving Cost from Chadron, Nebraska to Rapid City, South Dakota

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Chadron, Nebraska to Rapid City, South Dakota

Are you planning a road trip between Chadron, Nebraska and Rapid City, South Dakota? If so, it's important to consider the cost and distance of each possible route in order to make the most economical choice. In this article, we'll take a look at the different routes available, highlight their distance and cost, and recommend the best option.

Route Options

There are two main routes to consider when traveling between Chadron and Rapid City: US-20 W and US-18 W. Let's take a closer look at each one:

US-20 W

The first possible route is to take US-20 W from Chadron to Rapid City. This route is approximately 165 miles long and will take approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to travel.

US-18 W

The second possible route is to take US-18 W from Chadron to Rapid City. This route is approximately 186 miles long and will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to travel.

Cost Breakdown

Now that we've looked at the different routes, let's break down the cost of each one. The cost of a road trip is affected by many factors, including gas prices, vehicle make and model, and driving habits. For the purpose of this article, we'll use the following assumptions:

  • Gas prices: $2.89/gallon (based on the average price in May 2021)
  • Vehicle: a midsize car that gets 30 miles per gallon (sufficient for 2 to 4 passengers)
  • Driving habits: moderate driving, with occasional stops for food, restroom breaks, and gas refills

US-20 W

This route is approximately 165 miles long. If our vehicle averages 30 miles per gallon, we will need about 5.5 gallons of gas to complete the trip. At $2.89/gallon, this will cost us approximately $15.90. We should also expect to spend some money on food, restroom breaks, and other road trip expenses. A reasonable estimate is approximately $50 for a one-way trip.

US-18 W

This route is approximately 186 miles long. If our vehicle averages 30 miles per gallon, we will need about 6.2 gallons of gas to complete the trip. At $2.89/gallon, this will cost us approximately $17.90. We should also expect to spend some money on food, restroom breaks, and other road trip expenses. A reasonable estimate is approximately $60 for a one-way trip.

Now that we've looked at the cost and distance of each route, which one should we choose? Based on our analysis, we recommend taking US-20 W. This route is relatively shorter and cheaper, which makes it a more economical choice.

Conclusion

If you're planning to travel from Chadron, Nebraska to Rapid City, South Dakota, we hope this article has given you some insight into the cost and distance of each possible route. By taking into account gas prices, vehicle make and model, and driving habits, you can estimate the cost of your road trip with reasonable accuracy. Remember to take into account other expenses like food and restroom breaks. With this information in mind, you can make an informed decision about the best route to take. Safe travels!