Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to New York, New York

A picture depicting a gas pump

Estimating the Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to New York, New York: A Budget Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Des Moines to New York City? It's an exciting journey filled with potential adventures and picturesque landscapes. To help you stay within budget, let's break down the various routes you can take, including the distance, time, and costs you can expect, especially considering current gas prices.

Route 1: I-80 E and I-76 E

One popular option is traveling along I-80 E and connecting to I-76 E. This route is not only scenic but also relatively straightforward.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,200 miles
  • Time: About 18 hours
  • Gas Price: Assuming an average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a vehicle fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about 48 gallons of gas. This totals to $168 for fuel.
  • Tolls: You can also expect to pay about $50 in tolls along this route.

So, your estimated cost for this route will be $218.

Route 2: I-80 E and I-90 E

Another great option is to take I-80 E and then head up to I-90 E. This route takes you through some charming towns and can be a bit more leisurely.

  • Distance: Roughly 1,250 miles
  • Time: Approximately 20 hours
  • Gas Price: Given that gas prices remain at $3.50 per gallon, and with a vehicle that pulls 25 miles per gallon, your gas requirement would be about 50 gallons. This brings your fuel cost to $175.
  • Tolls: You should expect a few tolls as well, which can add up to around $60.

Therefore, the total for this route comes to about $235.

Route 3: I-35 S and I-80 E

Finally, lets explore a route taking I-35 S before connecting back to I-80 E. This gives you a change of scenery through the Midwestern states.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,150 miles
  • Time: Roughly 17 hours
  • Gas Price: With the same gas price of $3.50 per gallon and a fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need about 46 gallons. This results in a total of $161 for gas.
  • Tolls: This route is less toll-heavy, costing around $30.

Here, your grand total ends up at roughly $191.

Conclusion

As you can see, driving from Des Moines to New York City offers a few different routes with varying distances and overall costs. Whether you choose the I-80 route or explore some alternative paths, you can expect to spend between $191 and $235 based on your gas and toll costs. Just remember to pack your favorite snacks, enjoy the journey, and take in the sights along the way. Safe travels!