The Cost of Driving From Des Moines, Iowa to Denver, Colorado: A Gas Price Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Denver, Colorado? It’s an exciting journey, but before you hit the open road, let’s break down the cost of gas, the best routes to take, and how long each will take. With the current gas prices around $3.50 per gallon, you'll want to budget wisely. So, buckle up and let’s explore!
Route 1: I-80 W and I-70 W
The first route takes you along I-80 W and I-70 W. This is one of the most popular and straightforward paths for this trip.
- Distance: Approximately 600 miles
- Time: Roughly 8.5 hours without any stops
- Gas Cost: Assuming you'll get about 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 24 gallons of fuel. Therefore, the total gas cost would be around $84.
You might encounter some tolls along this route, depending on your exact path. However, expect to pay about $10 in tolls, bringing your total cost for gas and tolls to around $94.
Route 2: I-35 S and I-70 W
Another option is to take I-35 S then merge onto I-70 W. This alternative route is a little longer but offers beautiful scenery, especially as you get closer to Denver.
- Distance: Approximately 620 miles
- Time: About 9 hours of driving time
- Gas Cost: Similar to the first route, you’ll need about 25 gallons. Therefore, your gas expense will be approximately $87.
Tolls on this route are minimal, so you might only spend around $5. This puts your total cost for gas and tolls at about $92.
Route 3: I-80 W to I-76 S
If you’re seeking a balanced mix of speed and scenery, consider taking I-80 W to I-76 S. This route gives you a slightly different view and can also be a great experience!
- Distance: Approximately 610 miles
- Time: Close to 8 hours
- Gas Cost: Following the same fuel calculations as the previous routes, estimate needing 24 gallons of fuel, equating to about $84.
Toll expenses may vary, but you could expect to pay around $8 on this route. So, your total expense for this drive would be roughly $92.
Conclusion
All in all, your driving adventure from Des Moines to Denver is full of options! Whether you choose the quickest route or one that offers more scenic views, you can plan for a total travel cost of between $92 and $94, depending on the route you choose. Don’t forget to factor in other expenses like food and lodging if you plan on taking breaks. With beautiful sights and the thrill of a road trip ahead, happy travels, and enjoy every mile!