Calculating the Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Augusta, Georgia: Your Road Trip Guide Based on Current Gas Prices
Are you considering a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa, to Augusta, Georgia? With stunning scenery and multiple routes to choose from, it’s a journey to remember! However, let’s dive into the cost of driving this distance based on current gas prices, tolls, and more. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, planning ahead will ensure a smoother ride.
Route 1: Interstate 70 East and Interstate 77 South
This route is quite popular among travelers. The distance is approximately 850 miles, and you'll spend about 12 to 13 hours on the road. Keep in mind that driving times can vary based on traffic and weather conditions, so it’s always good to check before hitting the road.
When it comes to costs, here's what to expect:
- Gas Prices: With average gas prices around $3.50 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need approximately 34 gallons of gas. This brings your total gas cost to around $119 for the trip.
- Tolls: Depending on your chosen path, you might encounter tolls costing around $20 to $30 on this route.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 1:
- Gas: $119
- Tolls: $25 (average)
- Total: $144
Route 2: Interstate 80 East and Interstate 65 South
If you prefer a more scenic approach, consider taking Interstate 80 East toward Interstate 65 South. This route covers about 900 miles and typically takes around 14 hours. The longer distance offers picturesque views along with plenty of rest stops for stretching your legs!
Here's the breakdown:
- Gas Prices: Again using an average of $3.50 per gallon, for a car that averages 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 36 gallons of gas. That brings your gas cost to approximately $126.
- Tolls: This route can have some tolls, depending on the specific roads you take, costing roughly $25.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 2:
- Gas: $126
- Tolls: $25
- Total: $151
Route 3: The Scenic Route via US-78
For those who enjoy taking the road less traveled, you can try the scenic route via US-78. This path spans around 950 miles and will take approximately 15 hours. The views will surely make the extra miles worthwhile!
Let’s break down the costs:
- Gas Prices: With the same gas price assumption of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle that does 25 miles per gallon, the trip would require about 38 gallons of gas, leading to a total of around $133.
- Tolls: This route is generally toll-free, so you wouldn’t have to worry about those additional costs.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 3:
- Gas: $133
- Tolls: $0
- Total: $133
Conclusion
So there you have it! Depending on the route you choose, your driving costs could range from $133 to $151. Remember that these costs can fluctuate based on gas prices and traffic conditions. Whichever route you select, the open road awaits, promising fun adventures and new memories. Happy travels!