Driving Cost from Davenport, Iowa to Brandon, Florida

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Your Journey: Davenport, Iowa to Brandon, Florida Amidst Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Davenport, Iowa, to Brandon, Florida, offers a fantastic opportunity for adventure, whether you are relocating, visiting family, or enjoying a holiday. However, understanding the cost and logistics of your trip is critical to making it a comfortable experience. This article explores the potential routes, calculates fuel costs based on current gas prices, and suggests the best route for your journey.

Overview of the Trip

Davenport, located in the heart of the Quad Cities, is known for its rich history and scenic riverfronts, while Brandon is a vibrant suburb of Tampa, Florida, with access to beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. The distance between these two cities is approximately 950 miles, making it a significant journey that could take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops.

To plan out your trip effectively, let's break down the possible routes you can take, the distance involved, and the total gas costs based on current gas prices.

Current Gas Prices

Before diving into the routes, it's essential to note the current gas prices as of the time of this article. As of October 2023, the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in the U.S. stands at about $3.50 per gallon. This figure may fluctuate depending on your exact location, so it's always wise to check local gas prices.

To calculate fuel costs, we can use an industry-standard average fuel efficiency for cars. Let's assume an average vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

Route Options

Route 1: Interstate 74 to Interstate 75

Distance: Approximately 950 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 14 hours
Fuel Cost: Approximately $133

  1. Route Description: Start on Interstate 74 from Davenport, heading southeast toward Indianapolis. After reaching Indianapolis, connect to Interstate 75 which will take you directly south through Kentucky and Tennessee before finally arriving in Brandon, Florida.

  2. Gas Cost Calculation:

    • Total Distance: 950 miles
    • Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
    • Total Gallons Needed: 950 miles / 25 mpg = 38 gallons
    • Average Gas Price: $3.50/gallon
    • Total Fuel Cost: 38 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $133

Route 2: Interstate 80 to Interstate 75

Distance: Approximately 970 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 15 hours
Fuel Cost: Approximately $136

  1. Route Description: This route takes you east on I-80, passing through Illinois and Indiana before merging onto I-75 in Ohio. It follows a slightly longer path, causing both time and cost to increase.

  2. Gas Cost Calculation:

    • Total Distance: 970 miles
    • Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
    • Total Gallons Needed: 970 miles / 25 mpg = 38.8 gallons
    • Average Gas Price: $3.50/gallon
    • Total Fuel Cost: 38.8 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $136

Route 3: Interstate 70 to Interstate 75

Distance: Approximately 1,000 miles
Estimated Driving Time: 15 hours 30 minutes
Fuel Cost: Approximately $140

  1. Route Description: This route involves taking I-70 east from Davenport before merging with I-75 south in Ohio. While this path is straightforward, it is also the longest of the three options.

  2. Gas Cost Calculation:

    • Total Distance: 1,000 miles
    • Fuel Efficiency: 25 mpg
    • Total Gallons Needed: 1,000 miles / 25 mpg = 40 gallons
    • Average Gas Price: $3.50/gallon
    • Total Fuel Cost: 40 gallons * $3.50/gallon = $140

Recommendation: Best Route

Among the three routes presented, Route 1 (I-74 to I-75) is the best choice for your journey from Davenport, Iowa, to Brandon, Florida. Here's why:

  1. Shortest Distance: At approximately 950 miles, this route minimizes both driving and fuel costs.
  2. Optimal Driving Time: The estimated driving time of around 14 hours makes it the quickest option while keeping you on well-maintained interstates.
  3. Simpler Navigation: Interstate highways provide a more straightforward driving experience, allowing for more efficient gas station stops.

Conclusion

Traveling from Davenport, Iowa, to Brandon, Florida, offers both exciting landscapes and rich experiences. Choosing the best route—via Interstate 74 and Interstate 75—provides the shortest distance of 950 miles and an estimated driving time of 14 hours, making it both efficient and economical. As you prepare for your journey, plan your stops to refuel your vehicle and recharge yourself, and enjoy the beautiful journey ahead to one of Florida's amazing suburbs! Safe travels!