The Cost of a Road Trip from Altoona, Iowa to Baxter, Iowa

If you're planning a road trip from Altoona to Baxter, Iowa, you're in for a treat. Iowa has beautiful landscapes and plenty of attractions along the way. However, before hitting the road, it's essential to know the different possible routes and the cost of the trip. Gas prices change frequently, but based on current estimates, this article will break down the cost of a trip between Altoona and Baxter based on several routes.

The Possible Routes

There are three possible routes to follow when traveling between Altoona and Baxter. The first is to take the I-80 W route. This route covers 62.1 miles and takes approximately one hour. The second is to take the IA-163 W and US-6 W route, which covers 69.6 miles and takes around one hour and 20 minutes. The third and final option is to take the IA-330 W and IA-117 N route. This route covers 62.9 miles and takes approximately one hour and 10 minutes.

Although each route has a similar travel time, gas prices will differ with each choice. The cost of fuel is essential, and it's often the most significant cost of any road trip. So, let's break down the cost of each route.

The Cost of the Different Routes

Route 1: I-80 W

This route is the shortest and takes the least amount of time. However, it's not necessarily the cheapest. The I-80 W route has several toll roads, which may increase the cost of the trip. The total distance between Altoona, Iowa, and Baxter, Iowa, via I-80 W is 62.1 miles, and the cost of gas is approximately $7.56, assuming a fuel price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon.

Additionally, this route has two toll booths, costing $1.50 each. This means you'll pay an additional $3 to travel through the toll booth. Therefore, the total cost of the trip via I-80 W is approximately $10.56.

Route 2: IA-163 W and US-6 W

Another route option is to take IA-163 W and US-6 W. This route is slightly longer, covering 69.6 miles, but does not include any toll booths. The total cost of gas for this route is approximately $8.42, taking into account a fuel price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 3: IA-330 W and IA-117 N

The IA-330 W and IA-117 N route covers 62.9 miles and takes approximately one hour and ten minutes. The fuel cost for this route is approximately $8.01, assuming a fuel price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle with an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon.

Overall, the most expensive route is I-80 W, totaling approximately $10.56, including toll booth fees. The cheapest option is IA-330 W and IA-117 N, of approximately $8.01, without any toll booth fees.

Recommendation

Based on the information above, the IA-163 W and US-6 W route is the most recommended. Although it's slightly more costly than IA-330 W and IA-117 N route, it's still cheaper than I-80 W, and it doesn't have any toll booths. Even though the IA-330 W and IA-117 N is the shortest, the difference in travel time and fuel costs are negligible, and the lack of toll booths on IA-163 W and US-6 W make it the better option.

Conclusion

The journey from Altoona to Baxter is not only a beautiful ride, but it's also affordable. The IA-163 W and US-6 W route is the most recommended for a road trip, costing approximately $8.42 to travel 69.6 miles. With no toll booths along the way, the trip should be smooth and hassle-free. We hope you have a safe journey and enjoy the beautiful Iowa landscape.