Driving Cost from Columbia, Missouri to Altoona, Iowa

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Columbia, Missouri and Altoona, Iowa: Based on Current Gas Prices

Introduction

Planning a trip between Columbia, Missouri and Altoona, Iowa involves considering various factors such as the distance, the time it takes to travel, and of course, the cost. With fluctuating gas prices, it’s essential to calculate the expenses of the trip accurately. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes, the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route based on current gas prices.

Possible Routes

There are a few possible routes to consider when traveling from Columbia, Missouri to Altoona, Iowa. The most common routes include taking I-70 W and I-35 N, or taking US-63 N and US-65 N.

I-70 W and I-35 N

This route involves taking I-70 W from Columbia and merging onto I-35 N, which will lead to Altoona. The total distance for this route is approximately 240 miles.

Gas prices for this route can vary based on the current prices and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. If we assume an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost for gas for this route would be approximately $60.

US-63 N and US-65 N

An alternative route is to take US-63 N from Columbia and then continue onto US-65 N, which will eventually lead to Altoona. The total distance for this route is approximately 275 miles.

Using the same gas price and fuel efficiency assumptions, the total cost for gas for this route would be approximately $66.

Based on the cost and distance calculations, taking I-70 W and I-35 N would be the recommended route for driving from Columbia, Missouri to Altoona, Iowa. Not only is it the shorter distance, but it also requires less gas, which ultimately leads to cost savings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recommended route for a trip between Columbia, Missouri and Altoona, Iowa is to take I-70 W and I-35 N, based on current gas prices. This route has a total distance of approximately 240 miles and would cost around $60 for gas. After taking this route, the estimated travel time is around 4 hours. So, if you’re planning a trip between these two cities, be sure to factor in the cost of gas along with the distance and time it takes to travel. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!