The Cost of Driving from Altoona, Iowa to Clearwater, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Altoona, Iowa to Clearwater, Florida? Whether you're visiting family or just need a change of scenery, the journey from the midwest to the Gulf Coast can be both exciting and costly. Let's take a look at the different routes you can take and how much you can expect to spend on gas and tolls.

Route 1: I-80 East and I-75 South (1,210 miles)

The first and most direct route is to head east on I-80 and south on I-75. This route covers 1,210 miles and takes approximately 18 hours with minimal stops. Based on current national average gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $174 on gas for this route alone. There are no tolls on this route.

Route 2: I-55 South and I-10 East (1,436 miles)

Another option is to take I-55 south to Jackson, Mississippi and then head east on I-10 to Clearwater. This route covers 1,436 miles and takes approximately 21 hours with minimal stops. Based on current national average gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $218 on gas for this route alone. There are no tolls until you reach Florida, where you'll encounter a $2.50 toll for the Mid-Bay Bridge.

Route 3: I-35 South and I-10 East (1,587 miles)

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you could take I-35 south to San Antonio, Texas and then head east on I-10 to Clearwater. This route covers 1,587 miles and takes approximately 24 hours with minimal stops. Based on current national average gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $240 on gas for this route alone. There are no tolls until you reach Florida, where you'll encounter a $2.50 toll for the Mid-Bay Bridge.

Route 4: I-80 East, I-65 South, and I-10 East (1,572 miles)

Finally, you could take I-80 east to Indianapolis, Indiana, then head south on I-65 to Montgomery, Alabama, and then head east on I-10 to Clearwater. This route covers 1,572 miles and takes approximately 24 hours with minimal stops. Based on current national average gas prices of $2.89 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $238 on gas for this route alone. There are no tolls until you reach Florida, where you'll encounter a $2.50 toll for the Mid-Bay Bridge and a $1.50 toll for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, a road trip from Altoona, Iowa to Clearwater, Florida will cost you a significant amount in gas and tolls. However, with a little planning and budgeting, you can make the journey a memorable one. Safe travels!