The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri: A Price Breakdown Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Des Moines to downtown Kansas City? It’s a fantastic way to explore the heartland, but it’s essential to consider the costs involved, especially with gas prices fluctuating. In this post, we’ll break down different routes you can take, including their distance, travel time, and costs, so you can make an informed decision for your adventure!

Route 1: I-35 S - The Most Direct Route

Distance: About 194 miles

Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes

Estimated Cost: $31.20 in gas

Taking the I-35 S is the most direct route from Des Moines to Kansas City. This journey primarily takes you through beautiful landscapes and includes some charming small towns. As of now, gas prices in Iowa hover around $3.20 per gallon. If your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 7.76 gallons of gas for the trip.

So, for a quick calculation:
7.76 gallons * $3.20/gallon = $24.83 in gas.

However, don’t forget to account for tolls. This route doesn’t include significant tolls, making the total estimated cost around $24.83.

Route 2: I-80 W to US-169 S - A Scenic Detour

Distance: Approximately 215 miles

Time: About 3 hours and 15 minutes

Estimated Cost: $34.40 in gas

If you're looking for a slightly longer and more scenic route, consider taking I-80 W to US-169 S. This route allows you to enjoy different scenery and explore some exciting stops along the way. Again, assuming a gas price of $3.20 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, here's the breakdown:

You will need around 8.6 gallons of gas for this journey.

Calculating it gives you:
8.6 gallons * $3.20/gallon = $27.52.

While this route doesn't include major tolls, it may still charge a few minor tolls, which you can expect to add about $2.00 to your total cost. Hence, the total estimated cost for this route would be around $29.52.

Route 3: I-35 S via US-24 W - A Unique Experience

Distance: Approximately 199 miles

Time: Approximately 3 hours

Estimated Cost: $31.84 in gas

For those who want a unique driving experience, taking I-35 S but veering off onto US-24 W is a good option. This route takes you through some beautiful landscapes and gives you a chance to explore quaint towns you might otherwise miss.

With current gas prices at $3.20 per gallon and your car averaging 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need around 7.96 gallons of gas.

Doing the math:
7.96 gallons * $3.20/gallon = $25.55.

This route also has few tolls, so it should not add too much expense. Expect about $2.00 for miscellaneous toll costs, bringing your total estimated cost to about $27.55.

Final Thoughts

No matter which route you choose, driving from Des Moines to downtown Kansas City can be a delightful adventure. With a mix of distances ranging from 194 to 215 miles and costs varying between $24.83 to $31.84, it ultimately boils down to your preferences for scenery and time. So, grab your favorite playlist, pack some snacks, and hit the road! Happy travels!