Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Bellevue, Pennsylvania

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Bellevue, Pennsylvania: Your Budget-Friendly Guide

Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa, to Bellevue, Pennsylvania? You’re in for an adventure! However, it's always good to know how much it will cost you beforehand. In this post, we will break down the cost of driving based on current gas prices and explore a couple of options for your journey.

Route 1: The Direct Route via I-80 E

One of the most straightforward options takes you straight down I-80 E. This route covers a distance of approximately 700 miles.

Details:

  • Distance: 700 miles
  • Estimated Time: 10 hours
  • Cost:

Assuming the current average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, here’s a rough estimate of your fuel cost:

  1. Total gallons needed: ( \frac{700 \text}{25 \text} = 28 \text )
  2. Total fuel cost: ( 28 \text \times $3.50 = $98.00 )

Additionally, keep in mind that this route has some tolls along the way, which might cost around $20.

Total Estimate for Route 1:

  • Total Distance: 700 miles
  • Total Cost (Gas + Tolls): $118.00
  • Total Time: 10 hours

Route 2: The Scenic Route via I-70 E

If you have some extra time and want to enjoy beautiful scenery, consider taking I-70 E through St. Louis. This route diverges slightly but offers charming views along the way. The total distance here is about 750 miles.

Details:

  • Distance: 750 miles
  • Estimated Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost:

With the previously mentioned gas price of $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle’s mileage:

  1. Total gallons needed: ( \frac{750 \text}{25 \text} = 30 \text )
  2. Total fuel cost: ( 30 \text \times $3.50 = $105.00 )

Toll costs may be slightly higher on this route, averaging around $25.

Total Estimate for Route 2:

  • Total Distance: 750 miles
  • Total Cost (Gas + Tolls): $130.00
  • Total Time: 11 hours 30 minutes

Conclusion: What’s Your Choice?

Choosing between the direct route or the scenic alternative ultimately depends on your preferences for time and scenery. The direct route comes in at about $118.00 and takes around 10 hours, whereas the scenic route is slightly longer both in distance and cost, totaling $130.00 and taking about 11 hours 30 minutes.

Whichever path you take, make sure to plan for breaks and enjoy the journey. Happy driving!