Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Tucson, Arizona

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Des Moines, Iowa to Tucson, Arizona: A Road Trip Budget Breakdown

Planning a road trip from Des Moines, Iowa, to Tucson, Arizona? It sounds like quite the adventure! However, before you hit the open road, it’s a good idea to figure out the costs involved. In this post, we’ll break down two common routes, including distances, travel times, and estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices. Let’s get started!

Route 1: The I-80 W and I-40 W Route

This is one of the most straightforward routes and takes you through some beautiful parts of the Midwest and Southwest.

  • Distance: Approximately 1,400 miles
  • Time: Around 20 hours of driving time
  • Fuel Cost: As of now, the average gas price hovers around $3.50 per gallon. If your vehicle averages around 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 56 gallons of gas.

To calculate the cost:

  • 56 gallons x $3.50 = $196 on gas.

Additionally, you might encounter some small tolls, mainly in Illinois, which could add another $10 to your trip. In total, you’re looking at around $206 for this scenic route.

Route 2: The I-35 S and I-10 W Route

This alternative route will take you slightly further south, allowing you to experience a mix of city and rural landscapes along the way.

  • Distance: Roughly 1,450 miles
  • Time: Expect about 22 hours of driving time
  • Fuel Cost: At the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, you’ll require about 58 gallons.

Calculating the cost gives us:

  • 58 gallons x $3.50 = $203 for gas.

Unfortunately, this route has more tolls, especially through parts of Texas, possibly adding an additional $20. So, in total, you’re looking at about $223 for this route.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the cost of driving from Des Moines to Tucson varies depending on the route you choose. The first route comes in at about $206, while the second route might run you $223. Regardless of which path you take, make sure to factor in food, lodging, and any sightseeing you plan to do along the way!

Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the journey! Safe travels!