"Navigating the Cost of a Road Trip from Bowling Green, KY to Waterloo, IA"

Traveling from Bowling Green, Kentucky to Waterloo, Iowa by car will take you through beautiful American countryside as well as busy urban centers. Your path will consist of winding country roads and major highways alike. The cost of the journey will depend on a variety of factors, including the route you choose, your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and current gas prices. In this article, we will break down the potential routes and their respective costs to help you make an informed decision on planning your trip.

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

This route will take you from Bowling Green through Nashville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; and Indianapolis, Indiana before connecting to I-80, which will take you through Des Moines, Iowa to Waterloo. The total distance is approximately 839 miles with an estimated travel time of 12 hours and 32 minutes.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of regular gasoline in these states in early August 2021 were: Tennessee ($2.90), Kentucky ($2.93), Indiana ($3.02), and Iowa ($2.97). Based on these prices, and assuming a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $192.

Route 2: I-65 N and I-74 W

This route follows the same path as Route 1, up to Indianapolis, Indiana. Instead of taking I-80, you will take I-74 westbound, passing through Bloomington, Illinois before arriving in Iowa. The total distance is approximately 847 miles with an estimated travel time of 12 hours and 44 minutes.

Using the same estimated fuel efficiency and state gas prices, the cost of gas on this route would be approximately $195.

Route 3: I-65 N and I-55 N

This route takes you through St. Louis, Missouri before connecting to I-80 in Illinois and proceeding to Waterloo. Total distance on this route is approximately 838 miles with an estimated travel time of 12 hours and 28 minutes.

Gas prices in Missouri and Illinois averaged ($2.96 and $3.20, respectively). The total gas cost for this route would be approximately $194.

Route 4: US-60 W and I-44 W

This route, while more scenic, is also the longest and most expensive option. You will follow US-60 through Kentucky and Missouri, connecting with I-44 just before crossing the Texas County line. You will follow I-44 through Oklahoma and Missouri, before connecting to I-35 N in Wichita and continuing to Waterloo. Total distance on this route is approximately 1,071 miles with an estimated travel time of 16 hours.

According to GasBuddy, gasoline in both Kentucky and Missouri averaged $2.93 while Oklahoma averaged $2.91. Additionally, the fuel efficiency of this route is approximately 23 miles per gallon (due to hilly terrain), which raises the cost of gas to roughly $279.

Our Recommendation

Based on the costs of each route, Route 1 or Route 3 are the most affordable options. Route 2 is the second most affordable, and while Route 4 is the most expensive, it does offer unparalleled scenic views. That said, if time is of the essence, we recommend taking the more direct Route 1. I-65 and I-80, while more heavily trafficked, are the shortest route by several hundred miles and will take around two hours less than Route 3.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, it's essential to take your time and enjoy the journey. While the cost of gas may vary depending on the route, the beauty of the American countryside and the excitement of a road trip will make the cost well worth it. Going from Bowling Green, KY to Waterloo, IA involves multiple route choices, all with their own benefits and drawbacks. By planning well, you can save money on your trip and have the adventure of a lifetime.