The Cost of Driving from Dubuque to Ankeny: Budgeting Your Trip Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Dubuque to Ankeny? It's an exciting journey, but before hitting the road, it's crucial to know how much it will cost you. Let's explore a couple of different routes, look at the distances involved, estimate travel times, and calculate the costs based on current gas prices. Fasten your seatbelt; we're about to dive into the details!
Route 1: I-380 S and I-80 W
The first route that many travelers favor is using I-380 S and I-80 W. This route is quite straightforward and offers lovely scenic views along the way.
- Distance: Approximately 175 miles
- Time: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes
Now, let’s break down the cost. Assuming current gas prices are around $3.50 per gallon and your car averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 7 gallons of gas for this trip. Here's how the math works out:
- Total gas cost: 7 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $24.50
This route doesn't include any tolls, so the total cost remains at approximately $24.50 for fuel!
Route 2: US-20 W
Another option is taking US-20 W. While this route might take slightly longer, it offers a different driving experience with some charming little towns along the way.
- Distance: About 185 miles
- Time: Approximately 3 hours
For this journey, you may want to calculate your fuel expenditure taking into account the same gas prices and fuel efficiency:
- Total gas cost: For the 185 miles, you’d need about 7.4 gallons of gas.
- 7.4 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $25.90
Similar to the first route, this one doesn’t have tolls either, making your fuel cost the only expense for this trip - totaling around $25.90.
Conclusion
In summary, you have two good routes to choose from when driving from Dubuque to Ankeny.
- Route 1 (I-380 S and I-80 W) costs approximately $24.50 and takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Route 2 (US-20 W) may set you back about $25.90 and takes roughly 3 hours.
Both options allow you to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Iowa while managing your budget effectively. Choose the route that fits your schedule and enjoy your drive! Safe travels!