The Cost of a Trip from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama in 2021

When it comes to planning a road trip, the cost of the trip is a significant factor to consider. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, understanding the cost of the trip between two destinations can help you budget your expenses and make informed decisions about your travel plans. In this article, we will explore the cost of a trip between Coralville, Iowa and Dauphin Island, Alabama, based on current gas prices. We will look at the different possible routes, highlighting the cost and distance of each one, and provide recommendations for the best route to take.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama

The first route we will explore is the direct route from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama. This route covers a distance of approximately 950 miles and takes around 14 to 15 hours to drive. The primary highways on this route include I-380 S, I-80 E, I-74 W, I-55 S, and US-43 S. The cost of gas for this route will depend on current gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Route 2: Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama via St. Louis, Missouri

Another possible route is to travel from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama via St. Louis, Missouri. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,100 miles and takes around 16 to 17 hours to drive. The primary highways on this route include I-380 S, I-80 E, I-74 W, I-55 S, I-70 E, and I-65 S. While this route may add some extra miles and time to your trip, it could offer the opportunity to explore a new city and break up the drive.

Route 3: Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama via Nashville, Tennessee

Alternatively, you could consider traveling from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama via Nashville, Tennessee. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,050 miles and takes around 15 to 16 hours to drive. The primary highways on this route include I-380 S, I-80 E, I-74 W, I-55 S, and I-65 S. Similar to the St. Louis route, this option provides the chance to visit another city and vary the scenery during your road trip.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of the trip between Coralville, Iowa and Dauphin Island, Alabama is highly dependent on the current gas prices and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. As of 2021, the average gas price in the United States is around $3 per gallon. The average fuel efficiency for most vehicles ranges from 20 to 30 miles per gallon.

To calculate the cost of the trip, you would need to consider the distance of your chosen route and estimate your vehicle's fuel consumption. For example, if your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, the 950-mile direct route from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama would require approximately 38 gallons of gas. At $3 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route would be around $114.

For the longer routes via St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee, the cost of gas would naturally be higher due to the increased mileage. It's important to factor in the number of stops you plan to make, as well as any detours or side trips, when calculating the overall cost of the trip.

Recommendation

Based on the distance, driving time, and potential cost of the trip, the direct route from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama is the most efficient and cost-effective option for most travelers. While the alternative routes via St. Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee offer the opportunity to explore new destinations, they also add extra miles and driving time to the trip, potentially increasing the overall cost.

If you have the time and desire to take a longer, more scenic route, you might consider traveling via St. Louis or Nashville. However, for those looking to complete the trip in a timely and cost-effective manner, the direct route is the best choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Coralville, Iowa to Dauphin Island, Alabama can vary depending on the chosen route, current gas prices, and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. The direct route, covering a distance of approximately 950 miles, offers the most efficient and cost-effective option for most travelers. With an estimated driving time of 14 to 15 hours, and a gas cost of around $114 based on $3 per gallon, this route provides a straightforward and budget-friendly way to reach your destination. Safe travels!