Driving Cost from Davenport, Iowa to Rapid City, South Dakota

A picture depicting a gas pump

Understanding the Cost of Driving from Davenport, Iowa to Rapid City, South Dakota: Current Gas Prices Edition

Planning a road trip from Davenport, Iowa to Rapid City, South Dakota? Let’s dive into the various routes you can take, along with the distance, time, and cost based on current gas prices. With the current national average gas price around $3.50 per gallon, you’ll want to gather all the information to budget effectively for your trip!

Route 1: I-80 West to I-90 West

For many travelers, the most straightforward route is through I-80 West to I-90 West. Covering a distance of approximately 600 miles, this route will take you about 9 hours of actual driving time.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Distance: 600 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 9 hours
  3. Fuel Efficiency: Assuming your vehicle gets 25 mpg (miles per gallon), you would need roughly 24 gallons of gas.
  4. Gas Prices: At $3.50 per gallon, your total cost for gas would be around $84.

While this route does not have any toll roads, it offers beautiful views of the Midwest and the rolling landscapes of South Dakota. It's a great way to enjoy the drive while being mindful of your budget.

Route 2: I-74 West to I-80 West and I-90 West

Another option is to take I-74 West to I-80 West and then I-90 West, which encompasses a route length of around 610 miles. This route adds a small detour but can make the trip a little more scenic, taking about 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Distance: 610 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 9 hours and 30 minutes
  3. Fuel Efficiency: Assuming the same 25 mpg, you will again need about 25 gallons of gas.
  4. Gas Prices: With gas at $3.50 per gallon, your total for fuel would be approximately $87.50.

This route does not include tolls either, allowing you to experience more of the countryside without any additional costs.

Route 3: US-20 West

An alternative route is to drive US-20 West. This route covers a distance of around 640 miles and will take you about 10 hours. Although it’s a bit longer, some drivers appreciate the change in scenery.

Cost Breakdown

  1. Distance: 640 miles
  2. Estimated Driving Time: 10 hours
  3. Fuel Efficiency: Assuming 25 mpg, you will require 25.6 gallons of gas.
  4. Gas Prices: With fuel priced at $3.50 per gallon, your total cost for gas will be around $89.60.

While this option might be slightly more time-consuming and expensive, it offers different attractions and points of interest along the way.

Conclusion

Whether you choose I-80, I-74, or US-20, each route presents its own advantages and scenery. While the costs can vary slightly, they all remain relatively budget-friendly given the driving distance from Davenport to Rapid City. Remember that these estimates are based on current gas prices, and you might find local variations during your trip.

So fill up your gas tank, gather some snacks, and hit the road! Safe travels!