The Cost of a Trip between Bettendorf, Iowa, and Seattle, Washington

If you're planning a road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Seattle, Washington, you have a few route options to choose from. The cost of the trip will depend on several factors, such as the distance, gas prices, and method of transportation. In this article, we'll break down the different possible routes from Bettendorf to Seattle, the costs associated with each one, and recommend the best route to take based on current gas prices.

Route Options

There are a few different ways to get from Bettendorf to Seattle, but here are the most commonly taken routes:

Route 1: Through Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND

This route takes you through Minneapolis, MN, and Fargo, ND, before heading west toward Seattle. The total distance is roughly 1,862 miles, and it takes about 29 hours to drive straight through.

Route 2: Through Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT

This route takes you south through Kansas City, MO, before heading west toward Denver, CO. From there, you'll continue through Salt Lake City, UT, before reaching Seattle. The total distance is roughly 1,968 miles, and it takes about 30 hours to drive straight through.

Route 3: Through Omaha, NE, Cheyenne, WY, and Boise, ID

This route takes you west through Omaha, NE, before heading northwest toward Cheyenne, WY. From there, you'll continue to head north through Boise, ID, before reaching Seattle. The total distance is roughly 1,923 miles, and it takes about 30 hours to drive straight through.

Cost Estimates

The cost of a road trip from Bettendorf to Seattle will depend on several factors, such as the distance, gas prices, and the type of transportation you use. We'll break down the estimated expenses for each route based on gas prices as of June 2021.

Route 1: Through Minneapolis, MN and Fargo, ND

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route would be around $222 for gas, one way. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay around $100-$150 per night. The total cost of a one-way trip could be around $372-$422.

Route 2: Through Kansas City, MO, Denver, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route would be around $235 for gas, one way. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay around $100-$150 per night. The total cost of a one-way trip could be around $385-$435.

Route 3: Through Omaha, NE, Cheyenne, WY, and Boise, ID

Assuming an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon and a gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the estimated cost for this route would be around $232 for gas, one way. If you plan on staying overnight at a hotel, expect to pay around $100-$150 per night. The total cost of a one-way trip could be around $382-$432.

Choosing the Best Route

Based on current gas prices, Route 1 would be the cheapest option in terms of gas expense. However, it's worth noting that it may not be the most scenic or enjoyable route, as it mainly takes you through the heart of the Midwest. Route 2 and Route 3 offer more scenic options, but they are slightly more expensive due to the longer distances.

Ultimately, the best route to take will depend on your personal preferences and priorities for the trip. If you're looking for the cheapest option and don't mind driving through the Midwest, Route 1 is a solid choice. If you're looking for a more scenic route with beautiful mountain views, either Route 2 or Route 3 would be a good fit.

Conclusion

In summary, a road trip from Bettendorf, Iowa, to Seattle, Washington, can be affordable and enjoyable if you plan accordingly. Based on current gas prices, Route 1 offers the cheapest option, while Route 2 and Route 3 offer more scenic options at a slightly higher cost. No matter which route you choose, make sure to plan for overnight stays and budget for potential unforeseen expenses. With the right planning and preparation, a road trip from Bettendorf to Seattle could be a memorable adventure.