Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Arlington, Virginia

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The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Arlington, Virginia Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Arlington, Virginia? With the allure of a road trip, it's important to understand the potential costs involved. Let’s break down some popular routes, factoring in the current gas prices and toll prices, to help you estimate the cost of your adventure!

Route 1: I-80 E to I-70 E

One of the most straightforward routes is taking I-80 E to I-70 E. This route not only offers beautiful scenery along the way but also provides a smooth drive through several states.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
  • Time: Around 16 hours of driving
  • Gas Costs: Assuming current gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon, and your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 42 gallons of gas, totaling approximately $147.
  • Tolls: This route generally has minimal tolls, totaling around $15.

This route is a great option if you want to enjoy a comfortable drive while experiencing some magnificent landscapes across the Midwest and into the East Coast.

Route 2: I-35 S to I-64 E

Alternatively, you might consider the I-35 S to I-64 E route. This option can be a bit longer but offers some intriguing stops along the way.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,100 miles
  • Time: Roughly 18 hours of driving
  • Gas Costs: With the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, expect to use about 44 gallons of gas, costing about $154.
  • Tolls: This route incurs higher tolls, coming to around $30.

Although this route takes a bit longer, it can be rewarding if you’re keen on visiting historic towns and scenic spots.

Route 3: I-80 E to I-95 S

Finally, there's the I-80 E to I-95 S route, which is a popular choice for those looking to get from the Midwest to the East Coast quickly.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,050 miles
  • Time: Around 15.5 hours of uninterrupted driving
  • Gas Costs: Based on the current gas prices of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle’s fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the gas needed would be approximately 42 gallons, adding up to $147.
  • Tolls: This route typically involves tolls amounting to about $20.

This route might be the best option for those eager to reach their destination swiftly while keeping costs relatively low.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice of route will depend on your preferences and the kind of experience you want. To recap:

  1. I-80 E to I-70 E: 1,050 miles, 16 hours, gas cost $147, tolls $15.
  2. I-35 S to I-64 E: 1,100 miles, 18 hours, gas cost $154, tolls $30.
  3. I-80 E to I-95 S: 1,050 miles, 15.5 hours, gas cost $147, tolls $20.

No matter which route you choose, filling up on snacks and having the right playlist will surely make your road trip memorable. Happy travels!