The Cost of Driving from Albert Lea, Minnesota to Des Moines, Iowa based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning to make a trip from Albert Lea, Minnesota to Des Moines, Iowa? Driving is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel between these two cities. It's always important to plan ahead and calculate the estimated cost of your trip, especially when it comes to gas prices. In this post, we will outline different driving routes, distances, time, and costs you might encounter and factors that affect the price.

Route 1: Taking the I-35S

The I-35S route is the most direct route between Albert Lea and Des Moines, with a total distance of approximately 136 miles. The estimated driving time for this route is around 2h15min. This route is the popular choice amongst many the residents of both cities.

The approximate cost for this route will initially depend on the current gas price per gallon. As of writing, the average gas price in Minnesota is around $2.81 per gallon, while it is around $2.62 per gallon in Iowa. This means you would need a budget of approximately $22.48-$25.12 for this route alone.

Additionally, there are no tolls on this route, hence no extra cost for that, and the time estimates are based on moderate traffic conditions.

Route 2: Taking the I-35S and the IA-33W

Another route you could take is by using I-35S and IA-33W. This route is slightly longer, with a total distance of approximately 140 miles but will bring you closer to nature, in the journey from Ellsworth, Iowa into Des Moines. The estimated driving time for this route is around 2h20min.

Like earlier mentioned, the cost for gas will depend on the current gas price per gallon. As of writing, the average gas price in Minnesota is around $2.81 per gallon, and it is around $2.62 per gallon in Iowa. You would need a budget of approximately $22.82-$25.45 for this route alone.

Unlike Route 1, there is a toll to be considered on this route. The one-way toll rate for this is around $0.50. So, additional costs of roughly $1 should be factored in when using this route. Just like Route 1, the time estimates are based on moderate traffic conditions, and there are no additional toll gates on this route.

Route 3: Taking the US-69S

This is an alternative route to take if you would like to avoid tolls when driving from Albert Lea to Des Moines. This route involves using the US-69S, Iowa 307 W route. The total distance for this route is roughly 147 miles, and estimated driving time is around 2h25min.

Gas prices remain an important consideration for this route too. As of writing, the current gas price per gallon in Minnesota is around $2.81 while it's at $2.62 per gallon in Iowa. Your estimated budget for gas for this route would be around $23.36-$26.06.

Fortunately, there are no tolls to be incurred on this route. Time estimates based on moderate traffic conditions for driving still apply here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when driving from Albert Lea, Minnesota to Des Moines, Iowa, gas prices and tolls remain the most significant factors that could affect the estimated cost of your journey. By using any of the above-stated routes, you can expect to spend anything between $22.48-$26.06. As usual, we recommend that you leave with the preferred route planned in advance and arrive safely at your chosen destination!