The Cost of Driving from DeWitt, Iowa to Indianapolis, Indiana: A Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from DeWitt, Iowa, to Indianapolis, Indiana? This journey offers a bit of adventure along with some costs to consider, especially when it comes to gasoline and tolls. In this post, we’ll explore a couple of popular routes, their respective distances, estimated travel times, and the costs incurred along the way based on current gas prices. Let’s dive in!
Route 1: I-80 E and I-65 S
One of the most straightforward routes you can take is via I-80 E and I-65 S. This is a well-maintained highway that generally sees a good amount of traffic.
- Distance: Approximately 295 miles
- Time: Around 4 hours and 30 minutes
Let’s break down the costs. As of the most recent data, average gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 12 gallons for the entire trip.
So, the fuel cost would be:
[ 12 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 42 \text ]
On top of that, don’t forget about tolls. On this route, you can expect to pay about $5 in tolls, mostly concentrated around Chicago out of I-80. In total, this trip would cost you approximately $47 for fuel and tolls combined.
Route 2: I-74 E
Another scenic option is to take I-74 E. This route may take you through some beautiful countryside, providing a more picturesque travel experience, albeit with a bit more time on the road.
- Distance: Roughly 315 miles
- Time: Close to 5 hours
Now, let’s calculate the cost. With gas prices still at $3.50 per gallon and the same average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need around 12.6 gallons for this journey.
Therefore, your fuel costs will be:
[ 12.6 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 44.1 \text ]
This route has fewer tolls, so you can expect to pay around $3 total in toll expenses. Combining that with your fuel costs, your total expenses for this trip would land at approximately $47.10.
Summary of Costs and Time
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Estimated Fuel Cost | Tolls | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-80 E and I-65 S | 295 miles | 4 hrs 30 min | $42 | $5 | $47 |
| I-74 E | 315 miles | 5 hrs | $44.1 | $3 | $47.10 |
In conclusion, taking a road trip from DeWitt, Iowa, to Indianapolis, Indiana, can be an enjoyable experience, especially when you’ve planned for the costs. Whether you opt for the faster route via I-80 or the more scenic I-74, knowing the expenses ahead of time allows you to enjoy the journey without worrying. Safe travels!