Driving Cost from Davenport, Iowa to Herriman, Utah

A picture depicting a gas pump

Evaluating the Cost of a Road Trip from Davenport, Iowa to Herriman, Utah Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a cross-country road trip can be exciting, yet one of the primary concerns is often the cost involved, especially regarding gas prices. Davenport, Iowa, is a vibrant city located in the Quad Cities region, while Herriman, Utah, is nestled near Salt Lake City and offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains. This article will dissect possible routes from Davenport to Herriman, emphasizing costs based on current gas prices and helping you choose the most efficient path for your journey.

Understanding the Distance

Before diving into routes and costs, knowing the distance between Davenport and Herriman is essential. The straightforward driving distance is approximately 1,160 miles. However, depending on the route you take, this distance can vary.

Current Gas Prices

In October 2023, the average price of gasoline in the United States hovers around $3.50 per gallon. Although prices fluctuate, this estimate will help gauge the total cost from Davenport to Herriman.

Most vehicles typically have a fuel efficiency ranging from 25 to 30 miles per gallon. To calculate overall fuel costs, you can use the formula:

[ \text = \frac{\text{Distance (miles)}}{\text} ]

Let's analyze a couple of different routes and their costs based on various vehicle efficiencies.

Route Options

Route 1: I-80 W

The most commonly taken route from Davenport to Herriman is via Interstate 80 West. This path covers roughly 1,130 miles.

  1. Distance: Approximately 1,130 miles
  2. Estimated Cost:
    • Assuming an average of 25 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1130}{25} = 45.2 ] [ \text = 45.2 \times 3.50 = $158.20 ]
    • Assuming an average of 30 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1130}{30} = 37.67 ] [ \text = 37.67 \times 3.50 = $131.85 ]

Thus, the fuel cost for this route can range between $131.85 and $158.20 depending on your car's efficiency.

Route 2: I-70 W

An alternative route would be via Interstate 70 West. This route would cover approximately 1,230 miles and provide beautiful scenery along the way, such as the Rocky Mountain National Park.

  1. Distance: Approximately 1,230 miles
  2. Estimated Cost:
    • Assuming an average of 25 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1230}{25} = 49.2 ] [ \text = 49.2 \times 3.50 = $172.20 ]
    • Assuming an average of 30 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1230}{30} = 41 ] [ \text = 41 \times 3.50 = $143.50 ]

For this route, the cost would range from $143.50 to $172.20 based on fuel efficiency.

Route 3: Combination of Highways

You could also opt for a mix of smaller highways and interstates, such as I-35 S and I-70 W. This route is about 1,200 miles and provides a chance to explore lesser-known, picturesque areas of the Midwest and the West.

  1. Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles
  2. Estimated Cost:
    • Assuming an average of 25 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1200}{25} = 48 ] [ \text = 48 \times 3.50 = $168.00 ]
    • Assuming an average of 30 MPG: [ \text = \frac{1200}{30} = 40 ] [ \text = 40 \times 3.50 = $140.00 ]

The costs for this route would range between $140.00 and $168.00.

Comparing the Routes

While all three routes present unique landscapes and experiences, I-80 W stands out as the most cost-effective and direct way to travel from Davenport to Herriman. With costs ranging from $131.85 to $158.20 and a manageable distance of 1,130 miles, driving on this interstate minimizes gas expenditures.

The I-70 route, while scenic, incurs higher costs of $143.50 to $172.20, and the mixed highways route also poses a slightly higher overall cost. For those prioritizing budget and efficiency, I-80 W is the winning option.

Estimated Time of Travel

The journey time can fluctuate based on driving conditions, rest stops, and traffic. On average, driving non-stop at a speed of 70 mph would result in about 16 to 17 hours of actual driving time, factoring in stops for meals and fuel can expand this to approximately 18 to 20 hours total travel time.

Conclusion

Traveling from Davenport, Iowa to Herriman, Utah offers an adventure packed with changing landscapes and various cultural experiences. The most economical and straightforward route is via Interstate 80 West, covering approximately 1,130 miles with estimated fuel costs ranging from $131.85 to $158.20. Expect the full trip, including breaks, to take roughly 18 to 20 hours. This road trip promises both scenic charm and a practical approach, making it an excellent choice for your upcoming travels.