The Cost of a Midwest Road Trip: Driving from Central City, Nebraska to Davenport, Iowa

If you're looking for a scenic Midwestern road trip, traveling from Central City, Nebraska to Davenport, Iowa might be the perfect fit for you. This trip covers over 350 miles of sprawling countryside, picturesque farmland, and charming small towns. However, before hitting the road, it's important to consider the cost of the trip and the various routes you can take.

The Cost of Gas

First and foremost, the cost of gas is one of the most significant expenses to consider when taking a road trip. As of May 2021, the national average for regular gasoline was roughly $2.95 per gallon. However, gas prices can vary greatly depending on location, time of year, and even the specific gas station you choose.

For this road trip, we'll assume you're driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon. Using this calculation, you can expect to spend around $51 on gas for the entire trip. This estimate is based on driving approximately 350 miles and assuming a gas price of $3.00 per gallon. Of course, this amount may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

Possible Routes

When driving from Central City, Nebraska to Davenport, Iowa, there are several potential routes you can take. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, including distance, terrain, and traffic. Here are the three most common routes:

Route 1: Via I-80 E and US-61 N

Distance: Approximately 385 miles Estimated Driving Time: 6 hours and 27 minutes

This route takes you through scenic countryside while following major highways. Leaving Central City, you'll hop on I-80 East and follow it all the way to Iowa City. Once you get to Iowa City, take exit 244 to merge onto US-218 North, which will eventually turn into US-61 North. This route is straightforward and typically has very little traffic.

Route 2: Via I-80 E and US-30 E

Distance: Approximately 377 miles Estimated Driving Time: 6 hours and 17 minutes

This route follows the same path as Route 1 until you get to Cedar Rapids. From there, you'll take exit 240B to merge onto US-151 North, then take exit 59B to merge onto US-30 East. This option is slightly shorter but can have more traffic, especially through Cedar Rapids.

Route 3: Via US-34 East

Distance: Approximately 367 miles Estimated Driving Time: 7 hours

This route takes a more southern route and passes through several small towns. Leaving Central City, you'll head east on Route 66 until you get to Plattsmouth, where you'll take US-34 East all the way to Davenport. This route can be slower due to the many small towns and local highways, but can also be more scenic and picturesque.

The Best Route

Of the three routes listed above, Route 1 is likely the most efficient and cost-effective. While Route 3 may be more scenic, it also takes significantly longer and can have additional toll charges. Additionally, Route 2 can be more congested in the Cedar Rapids area and may take longer due to traffic.

Route 1 allows you to travel solely on major highways, which minimizes the chances of getting lost or encountering roadblocks. It's also generally a more straight-forward route with less room for navigational error.

If you're looking to break up the drive, however, Route 3 can be a great option. This route takes you through several charming small towns and can offer a more relaxed, leisurely drive. Just keep in mind that it will take significantly longer and may involve additional toll charges.

Other Expenses to Consider

While gas is likely the most significant expense when taking a road trip, there are other costs to factor in as well. These may include tolls, food, lodging, and entertainment.

If you decide to take Route 3, for example, it's important to note that there are several tolls along the way. Additionally, while it can be fun to stop in small towns for meals or sightseeing, these stops can also add up in terms of expenses. Finally, if you plan to stay overnight in Davenport, budget accordingly for a hotel or Airbnb.

Conclusion

Traveling from Central City, Nebraska to Davenport, Iowa can be a beautiful and scenic road trip. While gas expenses will likely be the most significant expense to consider, it's important to also factor in other costs such as tolls, food, and lodging. Ultimately, the most efficient and cost-effective route is likely Route 1, which takes you along major highways with minimal traffic. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed, leisurely drive, Route 3 may be a better option. Regardless of the route you choose, be sure to budget appropriately and enjoy the journey.