The Cost of Driving from Duluth, Minnesota to Cedar Rapids, Iowa: A Fuel Price Breakdown
Planning a road trip from Duluth, Minnesota to Cedar Rapids, Iowa? You’re in for a scenic adventure! However, before you hit the open road, it's important to consider the costs associated with your journey, especially with gas prices fluctuating. Let's dive into a couple of popular routes to help you estimate the expenses for your trip.
Route 1: I-35 S via I-90 E
The first route we’ll look at is the most straightforward one, taking you through I-35 S and I-90 E. This route is well-traveled and offers plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the way.
- Distance: Approximately 350 miles
- Time: About 5 hours and 30 minutes
When it comes to fuel costs, the average gas price in Minnesota is around $3.75 per gallon and $3.85 in Iowa. Assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 14 gallons of gas for the trip.
Total Gas Cost:
[ 14 \text \times 3.75 \text{ (MN gas)} + 14 \text \times 3.85 \text{ (IA gas)} = 52.50 + 53.90 = 106.40 ]
Roundup Costs for Route 1
- Total Distance: 350 miles
- Total Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes
- Total Gas Cost: $106.40 (without tolls)
Route 2: I-94 W to I-35 S
Another route you might consider is via I-94 W to I-35 S. This route takes you a little more to the west before heading south, offering a different perspective on the countryside and perhaps a couple of more scenic sights along the way.
- Distance: Approximately 380 miles
- Time: Roughly 6 hours
For this route, you’ll also be dealing with similar gas prices, so let's do some quick calculations: assuming the same 25 miles per gallon, you will need about 15.2 gallons of gas.
Total Gas Cost:
[ 15.2 \text \times 3.75 \text{ (MN gas)} + 15.2 \text \times 3.85 \text{ (IA gas)} = 57.00 + 58.52 = 115.52 ]
Roundup Costs for Route 2
- Total Distance: 380 miles
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Total Gas Cost: $115.52 (without tolls)
Adding It All Up
Whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy those classic Midwestern views. Both routes have their own charm, but they come with slightly different costs associated with driving. Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
| Route | Distance | Time | Gas Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-35 S via I-90 E | 350 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes | $106.40 |
| I-94 W to I-35 S | 380 miles | 6 hours | $115.52 |
So, pack your snacks, grab your playlist, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip! With the gas prices considered, budgeting for your drive will be a breeze. Happy travels on your way to Cedar Rapids!