The Cost of a Trip from Bettendorf, Iowa to Machesney Park, Illinois
Are you planning a road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa to Machesney Park, Illinois? One of the most critical factors to consider is the cost of transportation, specifically gas prices. This article delves into the cost of the trip between the two cities and various routes you can take.
Route Options
There are two main routes to consider when traveling from Bettendorf to Machesney Park. The first route is along I-80 and I-88, while the second route is along I-88 and I-39.
Route 1: I-80 and I-88
The first route involves taking I-80 East towards Moline and then switching over to I-88 towards Rochelle before finally joining IL-251 to Machesney. With this route, the total distance to be covered is approximately 179 miles, and the estimated drive time is about three hours.
Route 2: I-88 and I-39
The second route involves taking I-88 West towards Sterling before switching over to I-39 North towards Rockford, Machesney Park's neighboring town. After several exits, you will turn onto IL-251, which will lead you to Machesney Park. The distance covered for this route is approximately 184 miles, with an estimated drive time of three hours and thirty-five minutes.
Gas Prices
The cost of fueling your vehicle on your trip to Machesney Park is a significant expense that should not be overlooked. According to the GasBuddy website, gas prices in Iowa range between $2.30 to $2.80 per gallon. The average price of gas in Bettendorf is approximately $2.44 per gallon. As for Illinois, the fuel prices range between $2.70 to $3.30 per gallon, with the average price of gas in Machesney Park being approximately $2.98 per gallon.
Cost Calculations
The cost of the trip will differ depending on several factors, such as the type of vehicle, the distance, and the gas prices in the areas covered in the journey. Based on these factors, performing a practical cost comparison can be challenging; however, we have provided an estimated cost based on the distance between Bettendorf and Machesney Park. So, if your vehicle's mileage is 25 miles per gallon, you will need around 7.2 gallons of gas for route 1. As mentioned earlier, gas prices in Bettendorf average around $2.44 per gallon; thus, your fuel cost can range between $17.54 and $20.14.
For route 2, you will need approximately 7.36 gallons of gas. Assuming the same fuel price range and vehicle mileage, your fuel cost can range between $19.90 and $23.24.
One factor to consider while performing cost analysis is tolls as you will need to pay tolls on both routes. For Route 1, one tollgate costs $0.50, and for Route 2, one tollgate costs $1.10. So, for each route, you will need to pay one toll.
Here is a summary of the total cost breakdown:
| Route | Total Distance | Gas Required | Gas Cost | Tolls Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 179 miles | 7.2 gallons | $17.54-$20.14 | $0.50 | $18.04-$20.64 |
| Route 2 | 184 miles | 7.36 gallons | $19.90-$23.24 | $1.10 | $21.00-$24.34 |
Best Route
Based on the total cost of the trip, taking Route 1 is recommended. The total travel time for both routes is almost the same, with only a slight difference of thirty-five minutes. The toll fee for Route 1 is also lower than the toll fee for Route 2, which can save you a few extra dollars. It is essential to note that fuel prices are volatile and may change by the time you embark on your trip. So, it's always best to do a fresh calculation a day or two before your journey begins.
Conclusion
Driving from Bettendorf, Iowa to Machesney Park, Illinois, is a beautiful experience with scenic views along the way. The cost of gas is the only significant cost factor when embarking on this trip, and it is essential to make a thorough cost assessment before setting out. Route 1 is the recommended route, as it has a lower total cost, and average gas prices are relatively lower in comparison to the prices along route 2. Whatever route you choose to take, remember that the most significant factor is to stay safe while enjoying your journey.