Driving Cost from Davenport, Iowa to Freeport, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

Calculating the Cost of a Trip from Davenport, Iowa to Freeport, Illinois: Routes and Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Davenport, Iowa to Freeport, Illinois can be both an exciting adventure and a budget-conscious endeavor. With fluctuating gas prices, understanding the cost associated with the trip becomes essential for a pleasant travel experience. In this article, we’ll explore various routes, distances, and the estimated costs based on current gas prices, helping you make an informed decision about your travel plans.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the routes and costs, let’s establish a few key points about the trip. Davenport, located in the eastern part of Iowa, is a vibrant city with rich history and diverse culture. Freeport, in Illinois, offers its own attractions, including parks, historical sites, and local dining.

The driving distance between these two cities varies depending on the chosen route. Gas prices fluctuate, affecting the overall trip cost. For this article, we’ll consider the average gas price in both Iowa and Illinois, which currently sits around $3.50 per gallon.

Distance and Routes

Investigating possible routes involves examining their distance and main roads. The options generally fall into three primary pathways:

  1. I-80 W to US-52 N Route
  2. I-88 W Route
  3. Illinois Route 20

Let’s break down each of these routes, including distance, estimated travel time, and fuel costs.

Route 1: I-80 W to US-52 N

The most direct route from Davenport to Freeport is via I-80 W, which then transitions to US-52 N.

  • Total Distance: Approximately 115 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 1 hour and 50 minutes
  • Driving Directions:
    1. Start on I-80 W from Davenport.
    2. Take exit 284 for US-52 N toward Joslin.
    3. Follow US-52 N until you reach Freeport.

Gas Cost Calculation:
Assuming a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would require approximately 4.6 gallons for this trip.

[ \text = \text \times \text ]

[ \text = 4.6 \text \times $3.50 = $16.10 ]

Route 2: I-88 W Route

Another route goes through I-88 W, which is slightly longer but provides a more scenic drive.

  • Total Distance: Approximately 130 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Driving Directions:
    1. Begin on I-80 W and merge onto I-88 W.
    2. Follow I-88 W and take the exit toward IL-26 N.
    3. Follow roads into Freeport.

Gas Cost Calculation:
Using the same vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon:

[ \text = \frac{130 \text}{25} = 5.2 \text ]

[ \text = 5.2 \text \times $3.50 = $18.20 ]

Route 3: Illinois Route 20

Lastly, travelers can take Illinois Route 20. This route is the longest, but it provides interesting stops along the way.

  • Total Distance: Approximately 145 miles
  • Estimated Travel Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Driving Directions:
    1. Take I-80 W and merge onto I-39 N.
    2. Then take Route 20 West toward Freeport.

Gas Cost Calculation:
For this route, the fuel consumption would be:

[ \text = \frac{145 \text}{25} = 5.8 \text ]

[ \text = 5.8 \text \times $3.50 = $20.30 ]

Summary of Routes and Costs

  • Route 1 (I-80 W to US-52 N):

    • Distance: 115 miles
    • Cost: $16.10
    • Travel Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

  • Route 2 (I-88 W):

    • Distance: 130 miles
    • Cost: $18.20
    • Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

  • Route 3 (Illinois Route 20):

    • Distance: 145 miles
    • Cost: $20.30
    • Travel Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Recommendations

After analyzing these routes, Route 1 (I-80 W to US-52 N) stands out as the most efficient option regarding both time and cost. The savings of nearly $2.10 compared to taking I-88 W and around $4.20 compared to Illinois Route 20 make it the clear choice. Additionally, the shorter travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes is advantageous for those eager to explore Freeport.

Opting for Route 1 not only saves money but also allows for a quicker arrival at your destination, providing more time to enjoy the local attractions, restaurants, and outdoor activities that Freeport offers.

Conclusion

In summary, the trip from Davenport, Iowa to Freeport, Illinois can be cost-effective and timely with the right route. Route 1, showcasing the best combination of distance and gas cost, takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and will only set you back about $16.10 in gas for a round trip. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a day trip, this route maximizes your travel budget while allowing for an enjoyable journey. Safe travels!