The Cost of a Trip from Ankeny, Iowa to University City, Missouri Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Ankeny, Iowa to University City, Missouri? The cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the distance and route you choose, your mode of transportation, and the current gas prices.

Distance and Route

The distance between Ankeny, Iowa and University City, Missouri is approximately 337 miles. There are several possible routes you could take, depending on your preferences and priorities. Here are a few of the most common routes, along with their distance and estimated driving time:

Route 1: via I-35 and I-70

This is the shortest and fastest route, and it has tolls along the way. It involves taking I-35 South until it merges with I-70, then continuing on I-70 West towards Kansas City. After reaching Kansas City, you'll take I-435 South, which will merge with I-35 again and take you all the way to University City. The total distance is approximately 337 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 5 hours and 45 minutes with no traffic.

Route 2: via US-69 and I-49

This route avoids the tolls of Route 1 and takes a more southerly route. It involves taking US-69 South until it merges with I-49 near Kansas City. From there, you'll take I-49 South all the way to Interstate 70, then continue on I-70 West towards St. Louis. Finally, you'll take I-170 South for just a few miles to reach University City. The total distance is approximately 343 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 6 hours with no traffic.

Route 3: via US-63 and US-61

This route is the most scenic and avoids major highways. It involves taking US-63 South all the way to Columbia, Missouri, then taking US-61 South towards St. Louis. From there, you'll take Interstate 64 East to I-170 South and finally reach University City. The total distance is approximately 372 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 7 hours with no traffic.

Mode of Transportation

The mode of transportation you choose can greatly affect the cost of your trip. Here are a few of the main options, along with their estimated costs:

Driving

If you have access to a car and plan to drive, your main costs will be gas, tolls, and potentially parking fees. Gas prices vary depending on the region and current market conditions, so it's important to check the current gas prices in your area before you leave. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Iowa is around $3.00 per gallon, while the average gas price in Missouri is around $3.15 per gallon. Therefore, you can expect to pay around $57-$70 for gas alone on your trip, depending on the route you choose and your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Tolls will add an additional cost of around $12-$20, depending on the route.

Bus

Another option is to take a bus, such as Greyhound or Megabus. This can be a cheaper and more relaxing option, but it comes with some downsides, such as limited schedules and the need to be flexible with your travel plans. The cost of a bus ticket varies depending on the time of year, demand, and how far in advance you book. As of August 2021, a one-way bus ticket from Des Moines, Iowa (which is close to Ankeny) to St. Louis, Missouri (which is close to University City) costs around $30-$40, depending on the company and the time of day. Therefore, round-trip bus tickets would cost around $60-$80.

Plane

Flying between Ankeny and University City may seem like a convenient option, but it can also be expensive, especially if you don't live near a major airport. The cost of a plane ticket varies greatly depending on the time of year, demand, and how far in advance you book. As of August 2021, the cheapest round-trip plane tickets from Des Moines, Iowa to St. Louis, Missouri are around $250-$350, and the flight time is around 3 hours with layovers. However, keep in mind that you'll also need to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the airports, potential baggage fees, and the time and hassle of going through security.

Recommendation

Based on the above information, the recommended route for a trip from Ankeny, Iowa to University City, Missouri would be Route 2: via US-69 and I-49. This route is slightly longer than Route 1 but avoids the tolls, and it's more direct than Route 3 while still offering some scenic views. Additionally, the estimated driving time is reasonable, and there are several gas stations and rest stops along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Ankeny, Iowa to University City, Missouri can vary greatly depending on a few key factors, including the distance and route you choose, your mode of transportation, and the current gas prices. By driving and taking Route 2, you can expect to spend around $80-$100 on gas, tolls, and potentially parking fees, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and the route you take. Overall, this trip is doable in a day, and a stop in Kansas City or Columbia could make for a great addition to the trip. Safe travels!