What's the Cost of Driving From Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas?

If you're planning a road trip from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas, the first question that comes to mind is probably, "what's the cost?" With gas prices and tolls to consider, it's essential to plan your route and budget accordingly. In this blog post, we'll break down the cost of driving from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Southern Route

The southern route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas is the most direct path, taking you through Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. The distance of this route is 1,080 miles, and it takes around 16 hours to drive.

Assuming an average gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 43 gallons of gas for this route, costing you around $108.50. Additionally, there are some tolls on this route, including the Kansas Turnpike, Texas Turnpike, and Dallas North Tollway, which adds up to roughly $30.

Overall, considering the gas and tolls, you should budget around $138.50 for this route.

Route 2: The Northern Route

The northern route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas will take you through the states of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The distance of this route is 1,210 miles, and it takes around 18 hours and 15 minutes to drive.

Assuming the same average gas price mentioned in Route 1, you will need approximately 48.4 gallons of gas, costing you around $121. There are fewer tolls on this route, primarily restricted to the Kansas Turnpike, amounting to $7 in total.

When considering gas and tolls, the total cost for this route is approximately $128.

Route 3: The Southern and Western Route

If you're looking to take a scenic route, the southern and western route from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas may be a great option for you. This path takes you through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The distance of this route is 1,432 miles, and it takes around 22 hours and 5 minutes to drive.

Assuming the same average gas price as other routes, you will need approximately 57.3 gallons of gas, costing you around $143.25. There are a few tolls on this route, including the Kansas Turnpike, adding up to about $10.

Therefore, the total cost for this route would be around $153.25.

In conclusion, as you plan your next road trip from Ames, Iowa to Austin, Texas, we hope this breakdown of costs helps you decide the best option for your budget and time constraints. Consider the distance, time, gas prices, and toll fees when choosing your route, and above all, have a safe and enjoyable trip!