Driving Cost from Athens, Tennessee to Centerville, Iowa

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Athens, Tennessee and Centerville, Iowa

The cost of a road trip between Athens, Tennessee, and Centerville, Iowa, can vary depending on the route taken, the vehicle used, and current gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes for this trip, highlight the distance and cost of each one, and recommend the best route based on factors such as time, distance, and price.

Possible Routes

There are several routes that can be taken between Athens, Tennessee, and Centerville, Iowa. Some of the most popular routes are the following:

Route 1: I-65 N and I-80 W

This route involves taking I-65 N from Athens, Tennessee, and then switching to I-80 W in Gary, Indiana, to reach Centerville, Iowa. The total distance covered is approximately 831 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 13 hours and 30 minutes.

Route 2: I-24 W, I-57 N, and I-80 W

This route involves taking I-24 W from Athens, Tennessee, then switching to I-57 N in Marion, Illinois, and finally switching to I-80 W in Minooka, Illinois, to reach Centerville, Iowa. The total distance covered is approximately 832 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 13 hours and 40 minutes.

Route 3: I-75 N, I-70 W, and US-34 W

This route involves taking I-75 N from Athens, Tennessee, then switching to I-70 W in Springfield, Ohio, and finally switching to US-34 W in Chariton, Iowa, to reach Centerville, Iowa. The total distance covered is approximately 840 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 13 hours and 40 minutes.

Route 4: US-68 N, I-70 W, and US-34 W

This route involves taking US-68 N from Athens, Tennessee, then switching to I-70 W in Columbus, Ohio, and finally switching to US-34 W in Chariton, Iowa, to reach Centerville, Iowa. The total distance covered is approximately 847 miles, and the estimated driving time is around 13 hours and 45 minutes.

Cost Comparison

To compare the cost of each route, we will assume a gas price of $2.50 per gallon and a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. We will also assume a total driving distance of 850 miles, which is the average distance covered by the four routes mentioned above. With these assumptions, we can calculate the total cost of gas for each route as follows:

  • Route 1: I-65 N and I-80 W
    • Total distance: 831 miles
    • Estimated gas usage: 33.24 gallons
    • Total gas cost: $83.10
  • Route 2: I-24 W, I-57 N, and I-80 W
    • Total distance: 832 miles
    • Estimated gas usage: 33.28 gallons
    • Total gas cost: $83.20
  • Route 3: I-75 N, I-70 W, and US-34 W
    • Total distance: 840 miles
    • Estimated gas usage: 33.60 gallons
    • Total gas cost: $84.00
  • Route 4: US-68 N, I-70 W, and US-34 W
    • Total distance: 847 miles
    • Estimated gas usage: 33.88 gallons
    • Total gas cost: $84.70

As we can see, the difference in gas costs between the four routes is minimal, with a difference of only $1.60 between the most expensive (Route 4) and the cheapest (Route 1) route.

Recommendation

Based on the cost comparison above, it may seem like Route 1 is the best option due to its lower gas cost. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best route, such as the driving time and the road conditions.

Route 1 is the shortest of the four routes, but it involves driving through major cities such as Nashville and Louisville, which can be congested and slow down the driving time. Route 2 and Route 3 are longer but can be faster due to fewer major cities and less congestion. Route 4 is the longest of the four routes and may not be the best option in terms of time, but it may be the best option if road conditions are an issue due to its more rural setting.

In our recommendation, we suggest taking Route 2 as the best option for this trip. Although Route 2 is slightly longer than Route 1, it is less likely to experience heavy traffic congestion, resulting in a faster and smoother driving experience. Additionally, it offers more scenic views and passes through several cities that offer many food and lodging options.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of a road trip between Athens, Tennessee, and Centerville, Iowa, is relatively affordable with a difference of only $1.60 between the most expensive and the cheapest route. When choosing between the four possible routes, other factors such as driving time and road conditions should also be considered. Based on these factors, we recommend taking Route 2 for the best overall experience. With a total distance of 832 miles and a driving time of around 13 hours and 40 minutes, Route 2 offers scenic views, faster speeds, and more food and lodging options, making it a great option for any road trip enthusiast.