How Much Will It Cost to Drive from Altoona, WI to Des Moines, IA?

Are you planning a road trip from Altoona, Wisconsin to Des Moines, Iowa? If so, you might be wondering about the cost of the journey, especially with gas prices as high as they are right now. But don't worry - we've done the research for you!

Route 1: I-94 W and I-35 S

The first route we're going to look at is the most direct one: taking I-94 W and I-35 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 336 miles, and takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes to drive. You'll also need to factor in a potential toll cost of around $6.50 for using the Minnesota Toll Road.

Assuming the current average gas price in Altoona, WI is $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the cost of gas for this trip would be around $49.44.

Route 2: I-94 W, I-95 S, US-20 W, IA-27 S

If you want to avoid toll roads, you could take a slightly longer route. This route involves taking I-94 W and I-95 S in Wisconsin, then US-20 W and IA-27 S in Iowa. The distance covered on this route is around 345 miles, and it takes roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes to drive. The gas cost for this route would be around the same as the first route, assuming the same gas price and mileage.

Route 3: US-53 S, I-94 W, US-63 S, US-20 W, IA-27 S

For those who want to add a little more sightseeing to their drive, this route takes you through a few more towns and cities. You'll take US-53 S and I-94 W in Wisconsin, then US-63 S, US-20 W, and IA-27 S in Iowa. The total distance over this route is around 351 miles, which adds about 10 minutes to your journey time compared to the second route. Your gas cost would be approximately the same as the other routes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of gas for a road trip from Altoona, WI to Des Moines, IA is around $49.44 if you take the most direct route and factor in a potential toll cost. The other routes we looked at are slightly longer and don't have tolls, but the gas cost will remain around the same.

Remember to budget for food, accommodation, and any other expenses you might incur on your journey. Safe travels!