The Cost of a Trip Between Cedar Falls, Iowa and Bentonville, Arkansas

Traveling between Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Bentonville, Arkansas, can be an exciting adventure with beautiful landscapes and charming small towns along the way. However, before hitting the road, it's important to consider the cost of the trip, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we'll explore the different possible routes for this journey and highlight the cost and distance of each one.

Route 1: I-35 S and I-235 W

The first route we'll explore takes you from Cedar Falls, Iowa, down through Des Moines, Iowa, and then westward toward Omaha, Nebraska, and finally down to Bentonville, Arkansas. This route spans approximately 625 miles and takes around 9 hours to drive, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Cost of Gas

With the average gas price currently at $2.75 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route would be approximately $165 for a round trip.

Route 2: US-20 W and I-29 S

Another possible route is to head west from Cedar Falls, Iowa, on US-20, and then connect to I-29 South in Sioux City, Iowa, which will eventually lead you to Bentonville, Arkansas. This route covers approximately 675 miles and takes around 10 hours to drive.

Cost of Gas

Using the same average gas price of $2.75 per gallon and a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon, the estimated total cost of gas for this route would be around $180 for a round trip.

Route 3: I-380 S and US-71 S

A third option is to take I-380 South from Cedar Falls, Iowa, and then connect to US-71 South in Des Moines, Iowa. This route will take you through scenic parts of Missouri and eventually lead you to Bentonville, Arkansas, spanning approximately 615 miles and taking around 9 hours to drive.

Cost of Gas

Based on the average gas price of $2.75 per gallon and a vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is estimated to be around $160 for a round trip.

Recommendation

While all three routes offer their own unique sights and experiences, the most cost-effective and time-efficient option is Route 3, taking I-380 South and connecting to US-71 South. Not only is the total distance slightly shorter, but the estimated cost of gas is also the lowest among the three routes.

The overall cost of the trip, taking into account gas and potential tolls, can vary depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. As of now, with gas prices at $2.75 per gallon, the estimated cost of a round trip between Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Bentonville, Arkansas, falls around $160 to $180. It's important to factor in additional expenses such as meals, accommodations, and any unexpected vehicle maintenance.

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Bentonville, Arkansas, can be manageable when considering current gas prices and the most efficient route. By selecting Route 3, travelers can save on gas expenses and enjoy a relatively short and pleasant journey. With careful planning and smart budgeting, this road trip can be a memorable and affordable experience.