Driving Cost from Dubuque, Iowa to Johnston, Iowa

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Dubuque to Johnston, Iowa: Budgeting Your Trip Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a road trip from Dubuque, Iowa, to Johnston, Iowa? Great choice! Whether you're heading for a weekend getaway or a quick visit to friends, knowing the cost of your trip can help you budget better. With gas prices fluctuating, let's take a closer look at the various routes you can take, the distance involved, the time it will take, and, of course, the cost you'll incur at the pump.

Route Options

Route 1: I-80 West

For many travelers, the most common route is taking I-80 West. This route is straightforward, offering beautiful views of Iowa’s landscape along the way.

  • Distance: 160 miles
  • Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Estimated Gas Cost:

Given the current average gas price in Iowa of $3.50 per gallon, and an average vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend around:

[ \text = \frac{\text}{\text} \times \text ]

[ \text = \frac{160}{25} \times 3.50 \approx $22.40 ]

So, for this route, your total estimated cost will be $22.40.

Route 2: U.S. Highway 61 & I-80

If you prefer a scenic drive featuring rolling hills and small towns, you might consider taking U.S. Highway 61 to I-80. This route can sometimes be a bit slower, but it offers a nice change of pace.

  • Distance: 170 miles
  • Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Estimated Gas Cost:

Utilizing the same gas prices and vehicle efficiency:

[ \text = \frac{170}{25} \times 3.50 \approx $23.80 ]

Overall, you can budget around $23.80 for this scenic route.

Route 3: I-35 South (Longer but More Direct)

Another option includes taking I-35 South, which provides a more direct route to Johnston. While it's not the shortest path, it often has lighter traffic.

  • Distance: 180 miles
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Estimated Gas Cost:

Again, using our previous calculations:

[ \text = \frac{180}{25} \times 3.50 \approx $25.20 ]

Therefore, for this drive, the estimated gas cost would be about $25.20.

Summary of Costs

Route Distance Time Estimated Gas Cost
I-80 West 160 miles 2 hours 30 minutes $22.40
U.S. Highway 61 & I-80 170 miles 2 hours 45 minutes $23.80
I-35 South 180 miles 3 hours $25.20

No matter which route you choose, you'll enjoy the journey and arrive in Johnston ready for your adventure. Just remember to factor in the cost of gas when budgeting your trip. Safe travels!