The Cost of a Road Trip between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Brandon, South Dakota

Road trips are a great way to explore new places while enjoying the beauty of nature and the open road. However, one of the biggest concerns for travelers is the cost of the trip, particularly when gas prices are high. In this article, we will explore the cost of a road trip between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Brandon, South Dakota, and analyze the different possible routes and their costs.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take from Cedar Rapids to Brandon. The primary routes include:

Route 1: via I-90 West

This is the most direct route between the two cities. To take this route, you need to start from Cedar Rapids and follow I-380 North to join I-90 West. You will then travel on I-90 West for about 332 miles before reaching Brandon. This route is convenient, and you will not have to worry about too many turns and twists.

Route 2: via US-20 West

This route is slightly longer but offers a more scenic drive. To take this route, you need to start from Cedar Rapids and follow US-151 North to join US-20 West. You will then travel on US-20 West for about 393 miles before reaching Brandon. This route has more twists and turns, but you will enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Route 3: via I-35 North

This route is the longest of the three, but it offers some interesting stops along the way. To take this route, you need to start from Cedar Rapids and follow I-380 North to join I-35 North. You will then travel on I-35 North for about 404 miles before reaching Brandon. This route passes through Minneapolis, and you can stop at the Mall of America, which is the largest mall in the United States.

The Cost of Gas

Gas prices vary from state to state and even from city to city. Thus, calculating the exact cost of a road trip can be tricky. However, we can use the average gas prices in Iowa and South Dakota to estimate the cost of the trip.

Based on the latest data from AAA, the average gas prices in Iowa and South Dakota are $2.77 per gallon and $2.75 per gallon, respectively. We can use these prices to estimate the total cost of the trip.

Route 1: via I-90 West

The distance between Cedar Rapids and Brandon via I-90 is about 332 miles. Assuming that your car has a standard fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 13.28 gallons of gas for the trip from Cedar Rapids to Brandon. Thus, the total cost of gas will be about $36.80.

Route 2: via US-20 West

The distance between Cedar Rapids and Brandon via US-20 is about 393 miles. Assuming that your car has a standard fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 15.72 gallons of gas for the trip from Cedar Rapids to Brandon. Thus, the total cost of gas will be about $43.23.

Route 3: via I-35 North

The distance between Cedar Rapids and Brandon via I-35 is about 404 miles. Assuming that your car has a standard fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 16.16 gallons of gas for the trip from Cedar Rapids to Brandon. Thus, the total cost of gas will be about $44.52.

Recommended Route

Based on the above analysis, the most cost-effective route is via I-90. This route offers the most direct path between the two cities. Moreover, the total cost of gas for this route is the lowest of the three. However, if you are looking for a more scenic drive, then Route 2 may be the better option for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Cedar Rapids to Brandon can be both exciting and affordable. The most cost-effective route is via I-90 West, which will cost you about $36.80 for gas. However, you can also take Route 2 or Route 3, depending on your preferences. Regardless of the route you take, the trip will take about 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and how often you stop. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready for a fun adventure on the road.