Exploring the Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Hill City, South Dakota: A Gas Price Guide
Planning a road trip can be exhilarating, especially when heading to beautiful destinations like Hill City, South Dakota. However, one crucial factor that can affect your travel budget is the cost of gas. In this post, we’ll break down different routes you can take from Des Moines to Hill City, highlighting the distance, driving time, and estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices. So buckle up and let's get started!
Route 1: The Scenic I-90 West
The first option is to take the scenic I-90 West, a popular route that many travelers enjoy for its picturesque views and relatively straight road.
Distance: Approximately 325 miles
Driving Time: Around 5 hours
Gas Prices: As of now, gas prices in Iowa are averaging around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, here’s how you calculate the cost:
- Total gallons needed: 325 miles / 25 mpg = 13 gallons
- Total cost for gas: 13 gallons x $3.50 = $45.50
This route is not only economical but also offers charming landscapes, making your journey pleasant.
Route 2: The Direct I-35 North to US-212
If you prefer a more straightforward path, consider taking I-35 North followed by US-212. This route is slightly longer but faster due to less traffic on the highways.
Distance: Approximately 340 miles
Driving Time: About 4 hours and 45 minutes
Gas Prices: With the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and a similar vehicle efficiency of 25 mpg, here's the cost breakdown:
- Total gallons needed: 340 miles / 25 mpg = 13.6 gallons
- Total cost for gas: 13.6 gallons x $3.50 = $47.60
While this route adds a few more miles, it can save you time depending on traffic conditions.
Route 3: The I-80 West - I-29 North - US-85 North
Lastly, consider the I-80 West to I-29 North, which eventually connects to US-85 North. This route may offer the best combination of speed and scenery.
Distance: Approximately 355 miles
Driving Time: Roughly 6 hours
Gas Prices: Again, using the same gas price of $3.50 and a vehicle rating of 25 mpg, let’s crunch the numbers:
- Total gallons needed: 355 miles / 25 mpg = 14.2 gallons
- Total cost for gas: 14.2 gallons x $3.50 = $49.70
This route features some remarkable sights along the way, so you may find the extra distance is worth it for the visuals.
Conclusion
Regardless of which route you choose, your trip from Des Moines to Hill City offers a blend of stunning scenery, interesting stops, and varying costs. In summary:
- Route 1: 325 miles, 5 hours, $45.50
- Route 2: 340 miles, 4 hours 45 minutes, $47.60
- Route 3: 355 miles, 6 hours, $49.70
With these insights, you can plan your journey based on your preferences and budget. So, fill up your tank and enjoy the ride! Safe travels, and may your road trip be filled with great memories!