The Cost of Driving from Altoona to West Des Moines as of Current Gas Prices

If you're planning a road trip from Altoona to West Des Moines, it's important to understand the cost associated with driving. The cost of driving will vary depending on the route you take, the distance of that route, and the current gas prices. Here, we will highlight different routes with their distance, time, and cost based on the current gas prices.

The Route via I-235 W

The first route we recommend is via I-235 W, which covers a distance of 14.5 miles. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete this route. The cost of this route is primarily based on current gas prices, which as of this writing (September 2021) is around $2.895 per gallon. To calculate the cost, you need to divide the distance by the car's average mileage per gallon, which for most vehicles is around 25. Therefore, the cost of gas to complete this route would be approximately $1.74.

The Route via I-80 W and I-235 W

If you prefer a longer route, you can drive from Altoona to West Des Moines via I-80 W and I-235 W. This route covers a distance of 18.3 miles and takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. There is also a toll to pay on this route, which is around $3. Therefore, the total cost of this route would be around $1.83 for gas, plus the $3 toll fee, for a total of $4.83.

The Route via I-80 W and I-35 S

Another route you can take is via I-80 W and I-35 S, which is a bit longer, covering a total distance of 22.2 miles. It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete this route. The cost of driving via I-80 W and I-35 S is very similar to driving via I-80 W and I-235 W, with the only difference being the toll price, which is around $4. Therefore, the cost of this route would be around $1.77 for gas, plus the $4 toll fee, for a total of $5.77.

The Route via US-6 W and I-35 S

If you prefer to avoid tolls, you can drive from Altoona to West Des Moines via US-6 W and I-35 S. This route covers a distance of 19.7 miles and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The cost of this route is around $2.01 for gas based on the average gas prices mentioned above and not having to worry about the toll fee.

In summary, driving from Altoona to West Des Moines can cost anywhere from $1.74 to $5.77, depending on the route you take and current gas prices. Keep these routes and costs in mind when planning your next road trip in Iowa!