Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Kansas City, Missouri

A picture depicting a gas pump

Navigating Your Wallet: The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Kansas City, Missouri with Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines to Kansas City? Awesome! It’s a fun journey with plenty to see along the way. However, understanding the cost of the trip, especially in terms of fuel and tolls, can ensure that you're well-prepared. Let’s break down a couple of popular routes, considering current gas prices, distance, and travel time.

Route 1: The Straight Shot via I-35

This is arguably the simplest and most direct route. You’ll take I-35 South straight from Des Moines to Kansas City.

  • Distance: about 197 miles
  • Time: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Cost: The average gas price currently sits around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 8 gallons of gas. That adds up to $28 for the trip. Plus, there are no tolls on this route, which makes it even more budget-friendly!

Overall, Route 1 is not only fast but also easy on the pocket!

Route 2: The Scenic Alternative via US-65 and I-70

If you want a more picturesque journey, consider taking US-65 South and then transitioning onto I-70. While this route has beautiful landscapes and small towns, it requires a bit more driving.

  • Distance: around 215 miles
  • Time: approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes
  • Cost: With the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of about 25 miles per gallon, the journey would require around 9 gallons, amounting to about $31.50. Keep in mind, there are tolls on this route that could add another $5 to $10 to your expenses, so let’s estimate about $36.50 to $41.50 for the total.

While this route may take more time and money, the beautiful scenery might just make it worthwhile!

Conclusion: Choosing Your Route

In the end, deciding between these two routes depends on how much time you want to spend and what you’re willing to spend. Route 1 offers a quick and affordable option, while Route 2 presents a chance for scenic experiences at a slightly elevated cost.

No matter which path you choose, both journeys from Des Moines to Kansas City promise great memories. Safe travels, and don’t forget to pack some snacks for the road!