The Cost of Driving From Alabama to South Dakota

Are you planning a road trip from Alabama to South Dakota? It's important to consider the cost of the trip, especially with gas prices continually fluctuating. In this post, we'll break down the cost of driving to South Dakota from Alabama via different routes.

The Northern Route

The northern route is the most direct and fastest, with a distance of approximately 1,100 miles and a travel time of around 17 hours. Traveling from Huntsville, AL to Sioux Falls, SD, this route will take you through Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.

Gas prices vary by state, but as of September 2021, the average cost of gas in Illinois is $3.24 per gallon, in Iowa is $2.96 per gallon, and in Minnesota is $3.03 per gallon. Taking into account the estimated gas mileage of your vehicle, the cost of this route will be approximately $160 for gasoline alone, with tolls adding an additional cost if necessary.

The Southern Route

The southern route may add some extra miles to your journey, but it offers some beautiful scenery and national parks along the way. This route measures approximately 1,700 miles and takes around 26 hours to complete. Starting in Mobile, AL, you'll be traveling through Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and finally, South Dakota.

Gas prices vary by state, but as of September 2021, the average cost of gas in Texas is $2.74 per gallon, in Colorado is $3.50 per gallon, in Wyoming is $3.49 per gallon, and in South Dakota is $2.99 per gallon. Taking into account the estimated gas mileage of your vehicle, the cost of this route will be approximately $229 for gasoline alone, with tolls adding a negligible cost to the total.

The Scenic Route

The scenic route may take the longest, but it offers some of the most beautiful natural sights and attractions in the United States. Starting in Birmingham, AL, you'll be traveling through Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, for a total of approximately 1,900 miles and around 30 hours of travel time.

Gas prices vary by state, but as of September 2021, the average cost of gas in Arkansas is $2.79 per gallon, in Missouri is $2.92 per gallon, in Nebraska is $3.22 per gallon, and in South Dakota is $2.99 per gallon. Taking into account the estimated gas mileage of your vehicle, the cost of this route will be approximately $260 for gasoline alone, with tolls adding a negligible cost to the total.

Conclusion

When planning a road trip, it's important to consider the cost of your journey, including the cost of gas and any tolls you might incur. Ultimately, the cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the route you take, the gas mileage of your vehicle, and the current price of gas and tolls. Regardless of which route you choose, a road trip from Alabama to South Dakota is sure to be an adventure you won't forget!