The Cost of a Trip Between Boise, Idaho and Idaho Falls, Idaho

If you're planning a trip from Boise, Idaho, to Idaho Falls, Idaho, there are a few factors to consider before hitting the road. One of the most significant factors is the cost of the trip, which can vary depending on the route you choose and current gas prices. In this article, we will break down the cost of traveling between Boise and Idaho Falls, highlighting each possible route's cost and distance. We will also recommend the best route and provide a conclusion about the journey.

Route 1: I-84 East and US-20 East

One of the most direct routes to get from Boise to Idaho Falls is to take I-84 East until it connects with US-20 East. This route is the quickest, and the most direct, but it's not the cheapest. The distance between Boise and Idaho Falls via this route is approximately 355 miles, and the drive time ranges from approximately six to seven hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

According to AAA's gas price calculator, as of March 2021, the average gas price in Idaho is $2.88 per gallon. Given this price, a one-way trip between Boise and Idaho Falls (a total round trip distance of 710 miles) in a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon would cost about $82; this estimate does not take into account the cost of snacks, lodging, or other travel expenses.

Route 2: State Highway 55 and US-20 East

Another possible route to travel from Boise to Idaho Falls is to take State Highway 55 from Boise to McCall. This route is more scenic, as travelers can see stunning mountain views of the Payette River. After reaching McCall, drivers would continue on US-20 East towards Idaho Falls. Although the distance of this route is slightly longer at approximately 398 miles, the overall drive time is roughly the same as Route 1, at six to seven hours.

The gas prices along this route may vary, but AAA's gas price calculator estimates the cost for these two routes to be somewhat similar. For the same car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, a one-way trip on Route 2 would cost around $85 one way; again, this doesn't include additional expenses, such as lodging and food.

Route 3: State Highway 20 East via Sun Valley

Alternatively, travelers can go east of Boise on State Highway 20, traveling it all the way to Idaho Falls. This route is the longest, with a total distance of approximately 428 miles, and the drive time ranges from about seven to eight hours. However, this route is a good option for those wanting to see some of Idaho's most beautiful scenery, including Sun Valley.

The estimated fuel cost for this route falls closely in line with Routes 1 and 2, with a round trip cost at around $87 for a car with a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon.

Which Route is Best?

When it comes to deciding which route to take, the answer depends on your preferences. If you are looking for the most direct route and don't have time for sightseeing, then Route 1 is your best option. If you want to see some of Idaho's stunning mountain views and scenery, then Routes 2 and 3 are both great options. However, the gas prices are relatively similar across all three routes, so it's best to choose a route based on what you want to see, rather than how much you'll save on gas.

Conclusion

Traveling between Boise and Idaho Falls is a scenic journey that can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. With a range of routes to choose from, drivers can decide which route is best based on their preference for scenic views vs. directness of route. Gas prices along the three routes are similar, with an estimated cost between $82 to $87 one way, depending on the route and the car's fuel efficiency. So, no matter which route you choose, enjoy the stunning views and have a safe journey.