The Cost of Driving from Davenport, Iowa to Gulf Shores, Alabama: A Budget-Friendly Road Trip
Planning a delightful road trip from Davenport, Iowa, to the sunny shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama? You’re in for beautiful landscapes and charming towns along the way! However, it’s essential to budget for gas costs, tolls, and driving time. Let’s explore two different routes you can take, alongside the distances, costs, and driving times involved.
Route 1: The Scenic I-55 and I-65 Route
Overview
This route offers a mix of stunning rural views and a smooth drive. You’ll take I-55 South and then jump onto I-65 South.
Distance and Time
Starting from Davenport, your journey covers approximately 750 miles and takes about 11 hours of driving time.
Cost Breakdown
As of now, gas prices hover around $3.40 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 30 gallons of gas. Here’s how the costs add up:
- Gas cost: 30 gallons x $3.40 = $102.00
- Toll costs: Minimal tolls on this route, expect to pay around $10.00.
So, in total, for Route 1, you’re looking at a driving cost of approximately $112.00.
Route 2: The I-80 and I-65 Route
Overview
If you prefer a more direct approach with fewer turns, this route via I-80 and I-65 might be up your alley. It’s slightly quicker, but still packed with charm.
Distance and Time
This route measures about 720 miles and will take you around 10.5 hours to reach Gulf Shores.
Cost Breakdown
With gas prices remaining consistent at $3.40 per gallon, here’s how the expenses will pan out for this route:
- You’ll need about 29 gallons of fuel for the trip.
- Gas cost: 29 gallons x $3.40 = $98.60
- Toll costs: There are very few tolls here, so expect around $5.00.
Thus, your total driving cost for Route 2 will be approximately $103.60.
Conclusion
Driving from Davenport, Iowa, to Gulf Shores, Alabama, can be both enjoyable and economical. Depending on the route you choose, you could spend anywhere from $103.60 to $112.00 on gas and tolls.
Whichever way you decide to go, make sure to pack some snacks, prepare a great playlist, and enjoy the journey. The beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores are more than just a destination; they’re a fabulous road trip waiting to happen! Happy travels!