Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Newton, Iowa

A picture depicting a gas pump

Budgeting Your Drive: Cost of a Trip from Des Moines to Newton Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Newton? You're in luck! This short journey not only offers scenic views but is also quite budget-friendly. Let's dive into the different routes you can take, along with the associated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: US-163 E via I-80 E

The first option is the classic route taking US-163 E via I-80 E.

  • Distance: Approximately 35 miles
  • Time: About 40 minutes

For this route, you'll be driving mostly on highways, with plenty of stretches to enjoy the open road. Given the current average gas price in Iowa of around $3.25 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, here’s how the cost breaks down:

  1. Total miles for the trip: 35 miles
  2. Gallons of gas needed: 1.4 gallons
  3. Cost of gas: 1.4 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $4.55

So, for this route, you're looking at a total gas cost of approximately $4.55!

Route 2: IA-14 N

Another route you might consider is taking IA-14 N straight to Newton.

  • Distance: Approximately 32 miles
  • Time: Roughly 35 minutes

This option is a bit shorter, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. With the same average gas price of $3.25 per gallon and the same vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, let’s calculate:

  1. Total miles for the trip: 32 miles
  2. Gallons of gas needed: 1.28 gallons
  3. Cost of gas: 1.28 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $4.16

Thus, the gas cost for this route would be around $4.16.

Route 3: Scenic Backroads

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive, consider taking a mix of scenic backroads and country highways.

  • Distance: Approximately 40 miles
  • Time: About 50 minutes

This route can be a bit longer, but the picturesque landscapes make it worth it. Let’s figure the costs on this route as well:

  1. Total miles for the trip: 40 miles
  2. Gallons of gas needed: 1.6 gallons
  3. Cost of gas: 1.6 gallons x $3.25/gallon = $5.20

So, the total cost for this scenic option amounts to about $5.20 for gas.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you choose the highway routes or opt for a more scenic drive, a trip from Des Moines to Newton is both enjoyable and economical. Keep in mind the varying costs based on your chosen route, which can range from about $4.16 to $5.20 for gas. So grab your snacks, buckle up, and enjoy the ride knowing you’re in for a delightful experience without breaking the bank! Happy travels!