Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Madison, Wisconsin

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The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Madison, Wisconsin: A Gas Price Breakdown

Are you considering a road trip from Des Moines to Madison? Whether you're visiting friends, attending a conference, or simply craving a scenic drive, knowing the cost of fuel for your journey can help you plan better. With fluctuating gas prices, it’s essential to calculate potential expenses. Let's break down a few popular routes, the distances, travel times, and costs associated with each.

Route 1: The Direct I-80 and I-39 Route

This route is the most straightforward option. You’ll travel primarily on the interstate highways, allowing for a smooth and quick ride.

  • Distance: approximately 240 miles

  • Travel Time: around 3 hours and 45 minutes

  • Gas Cost: As of the latest prices, fuel costs hover around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, here's the math:

    [ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} = \frac{240}{25} = 9.6 \text ]

    [ \text = \text \times \text = 9.6 \times 3.50 = \text{$33.60} ]

Therefore, the total estimated cost for driving this route would be $33.60, not including tolls, which don’t exist on this route.

Route 2: The Scenic Highway 151 Route

If you’re in the mood for some beautiful scenery and charming towns along the way, consider taking the Highway 151 route.

  • Distance: approximately 260 miles

  • Travel Time: around 4 hours and 15 minutes

  • Gas Cost: Let’s keep the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon. With your vehicle’s efficiency at 25 MPG, you would need:

    [ \text = \frac{260}{25} = 10.4 \text ]

    [ \text = 10.4 \times 3.50 = \text{$36.40} ]

In addition, this route features a modest toll, especially if you venture off onto some backroads, which may add an extra $2 to your overall cost. So, your grand total for this scenic route would be around $38.40.

Route 3: The Mixed I-80 and I-90 Option

For those looking to explore the eastern side of Iowa and western Wisconsin, this route offers a mix of highway and scenic byways.

  • Distance: approximately 280 miles

  • Travel Time: around 4 hours and 45 minutes

  • Gas Cost: Maintaining the gas price at $3.50 per gallon and the MPG at 25, you’d calculate:

    [ \text = \frac{280}{25} = 11.2 \text ]

    [ \text = 11.2 \times 3.50 = \text{$39.20} ]

This route can also include tolls, particularly when transitioning to I-90 near Wisconsin Dells, which may cost approximately $3. Thus, the grand total for this drive will be around $42.20.

Summary

To wrap it up, your driving expenses from Des Moines to Madison can vary based on the route you choose:

  • Route 1 (I-80 and I-39): $33.60
  • Route 2 (Highway 151): $38.40
  • Route 3 (Mixed I-80 and I-90): $42.20

Regardless of your choice, make sure to enjoy the ride! Safe travels, and happy driving!