Driving Cost from California to Iowa

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip Between California and Iowa: Navigating Gas Prices

Taking a road trip from California to Iowa can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to budget accordingly for the cost of travel. One of the biggest expenses is gas, especially as prices fluctuate. In this article, we'll examine various routes from California to Iowa, highlighting the cost and distance of each. By doing so, we'll help you determine the best route based on the current gas prices, so you can get the most affordable trip possible.

Possible Routes

There are a few different routes you can take when driving from California to Iowa, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most popular routes:

Route 1: I-80

The first route is the most direct way to reach Iowa from California. It follows I-80 and spans over 2,000 miles. Starting in San Francisco, you'll pass through Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, and Omaha, before finally reaching Des Moines, Iowa.

Cost: The cost of gas for the entire trip should be around $200. This is based on an average car's gas mileage of around 25 miles per gallon, with an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon.

Distance: This route is the longest of the three and totals around 2,088 miles.

Route 2: I-15 & I-70

The second route is a bit more scenic and passes through several beautiful national parks. Starting in Los Angeles, you'll take I-15 to Las Vegas, where you'll then turn onto I-70 and pass through Grand Junction, Denver, and Lincoln, before finally reaching Des Moines.

Cost: The cost of gas for this route should be around $250. This is based on the same average car's gas mileage of around 25 miles per gallon but with an average gas price of $3.30 per gallon.

Distance: This route totals around 1,900 miles.

Route 3: Historic Route 66

The last route is the most unique and follows some of the old Route 66. Starting in Santa Monica, California, you'll take Route 66 through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, before finally reaching Iowa.

Cost: The cost of gas for this route should be around $350. This is based on the same car's gas mileage of around 25 miles per gallon but with an average gas price of $3.70 per gallon.

Distance: This route totals around 2,100 miles.

Based on gas prices and distance, the recommended route is Route 2: I-15 & I-70. While it's not the most direct route, it's the most affordable and offers stunning views of national parks. Plus, the distance is the shortest of the three, which means less time on the road and more time to explore.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from California to Iowa can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to budget accordingly for gas prices. By considering the different routes and their costs and distances, you can select the best route based on the current gas prices. While each route offers its own benefits, Route 2: I-15 & I-70 stands out as the most affordable and scenic option. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and hit the road for an unforgettable journey from the West Coast to the Midwest. The trip should take around 30 hours, but with scenic stops along the way, it might take a bit longer.