Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia

A picture depicting a gas pump

Road Trip Cost Analysis: Des Moines, Iowa to Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia requires careful consideration, especially regarding costs associated with gas, food, accommodation, and time spent on the road. With current gas prices fluctuating between $3.25 and $4.00 per gallon, understanding these aspects will help travelers budget effectively. This article provides a detailed analysis of different routes, their respective distances, gas costs, and other factors to help you determine the best path to take.

Distance and Route Options

Route 1: I-70 E and I-85 S (Approx. 750 miles)

The most direct route from Des Moines to Athens-Clarke County is via I-70 E and I-85 S. This route extends approximately 750 miles and takes about 11 to 12 hours of driving time under typical conditions.

  1. From Des Moines, take I-80 E.
  2. Merge onto I-70 E through Illinois and Indiana.
  3. Continue on I-70, passing through major cities like Indianapolis, IN.
  4. Merge onto I-85 S in Georgia, toward Athens-Clarke County.

Estimated Gas Cost:

Assuming your vehicle's fuel efficiency is 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 30 gallons of gas for the trip. At a gas price of $3.50 per gallon (the average of the current range), the fuel cost will be:

30 gallons x $3.50 = $105

Route 2: I-80 E and I-75 S (Approx. 790 miles)

Another popular route is to take I-80 E, then merge onto I-75 S. Though a bit longer, this route provides an opportunity to see different landscapes and attractions.

  1. Begin on I-80 E out of Des Moines.
  2. Travel through Illinois, entering I-75 S into Kentucky.
  3. Continue through Tennessee and into Georgia, ultimately reaching Athens-Clarke County.

Estimated Gas Cost:

For a distance of approximately 790 miles, you would require about 31.6 gallons of gas. Based on the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost would be:

31.6 gallons x $3.50 = $110.10

Route 3: Scenic Route through I-70 E and I-77 S (Approx. 830 miles)

For travelers seeking a scenic experience, consider this third route, which takes you through more rural areas. The route is longer but offers picturesque views of the Appalachian region.

  1. Start on I-80 E and merge into I-70 E.
  2. Once in Ohio, switch to I-77 S.
  3. Continue on I-77 into West Virginia, leading you down into Virginia and eventually into Georgia toward Athens.

Estimated Gas Cost:

The scenic route results in an average distance of 830 miles. As this trip requires approximately 33.2 gallons of fuel, the cost will estimate to:

33.2 gallons x $3.50 = $116.20

Factors Affecting Trip Cost

While gas is a primary expense, other factors will influence the overall cost of the trip.

Food Expenses

The price of meals varies based on whether you choose fast food, casual dining, or grocery store purchases. On average, plan for:

  • Fast Food: $8 - $12 per meal
  • Casual Dining: $15 - $30 per meal
  • Snack/Food from Store: $5 - $10 per day

For a typical two-day trip (with minimum overnight stay), if you spend roughly $15 on three meals a day, the combined food cost would be approximately:

2 days x $15 x 3 meals = $90

Accommodation Costs

If you opt for overnight lodging, hotel prices can vary significantly based on quality and location. On average:

  • Economy Hotels: $60 - $100 per night
  • Mid-range Hotels: $100 - $150 per night
  • Higher-end Hotels: $150 and above

For a two-night stay at a budget hotel, plan:

2 nights x $80 (average) = $160

Incidental Costs

Included in this category are expenditures on tolls, parking fees, and possibly unexpected expenses like vehicle maintenance requirements. Depending on your route, budget an additional $20 - $50 for these costs.

Total Estimated Cost for the Trip

By aggregating the costs of gas, food, accommodation, and incidental expenses, let's evaluate a sample total for each route:

Route 1 Total Costs

  • Gas: $105
  • Food: $90
  • Accommodation: $160
  • Incidentals: $20
  • Total:
$105 + $90 + $160 + $20 = $375

Route 2 Total Costs

  • Gas: $110.10
  • Food: $90
  • Accommodation: $160
  • Incidentals: $20
  • Total:
$110.10 + $90 + $160 + $20 = $380.10

Route 3 Total Costs

  • Gas: $116.20
  • Food: $90
  • Accommodation: $160
  • Incidentals: $20
  • Total:
$116.20 + $90 + $160 + $20 = $386.20

Best Route Recommendation

Considering the costs and travel times, Route 1 (I-70 E and I-85 S) stands out as the most efficient option. It offers a balance of directness at approximately 750 miles, and the total estimated cost is the lowest at around $375, making it the optimal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, with several rest stops and towns along the way, various options are available for food and lodging.

Conclusion

Traveling from Des Moines, Iowa, to Athens-Clarke County, Georgia is a journey of approximately 750 miles via the most economical route. Completing this trip will take around 11 to 12 hours of driving time, covering essential expenses including fuel, food, and accommodation. With a well-planned budget of about $375, travelers can enjoy a cost-effective and memorable adventure on the road to Georgia.