Journeying from Delaware to South Dakota: A Cost Analysis Based on Current Gas Prices
Traveling across the United States offers an exciting adventure filled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions. A road trip from Delaware to South Dakota presents an opportunity to explore the heart of America. This article will examine the costs associated with such a trip, focusing on current gas prices, distance, and possible routes to help you make an informed decision.
Route Options
When planning a trip from Delaware to South Dakota, travelers have several route options. We will explore three of the most common routes—each with its distance, estimated travel time, and cost based on current gas prices.
1. I-95 North to I-80 West
- Distance: Approximately 1,400 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 21 hours
- Route Overview:
- Start on I-95 North
- Merge onto I-80 West in Pennsylvania
- Continue on I-80 West, passing through states like Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, before reaching South Dakota.
Cost Calculation: To estimate fuel costs, consider the average miles per gallon (MPG) of your vehicle. For this calculation, let’s assume an average fuel economy of 25 MPG and current gas prices of $3.50 per gallon.
Total Gallons Needed:
( 1,400 \text / 25 \text = 56 \text )Total Fuel Cost:
( 56 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 196 \text )
2. I-76 West to I-70 West
- Distance: Approximately 1,350 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 19.5 hours
- Route Overview:
- Head west on I-76 from Delaware
- Merge onto I-70 West near Harrisburg, PA
- Travel through states like West Virginia and Ohio, then join I-80 in Indiana towards South Dakota.
Cost Calculation: Using the same assumptions for fuel economy and gas prices:
Total Gallons Needed:
( 1,350 \text / 25 \text = 54 \text )Total Fuel Cost:
( 54 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 189 \text )
3. I-70 West to I-29 North
- Distance: Approximately 1,465 miles
- Estimated Travel Time: 23 hours
- Route Overview:
- Travel west on I-70 until reaching I-29
- Head north on I-29 to South Dakota, passing through states such as West Virginia and Missouri.
Cost Calculation: Following the same parameters:
Total Gallons Needed:
( 1,465 \text / 25 \text = 58.6 \text ) (rounded to 59 gallons)Total Fuel Cost:
( 59 \text \times 3.50 \text{ dollars/gallon} = 206.5 \text )
Summary of Costs by Route
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Time (hours) | Fuel Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-95 North to I-80 West | 1,400 | 21 | $196 |
| I-76 West to I-70 West | 1,350 | 19.5 | $189 |
| I-70 West to I-29 North | 1,465 | 23 | $206.5 |
Recommended Route
After comparing the three routes based on distance, estimated travel time, and fuel costs, the I-76 West to I-70 West route emerges as the best option. Not only is it the shortest and most economical version of the trip, but it also allows travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the rolling hills of the Midwest. This route balances both travel efficiency and cost-effectiveness while also providing a memorable journey through rich landscapes.
Additional Travel Expenses to Consider
While fuel will be your most significant expense, consider other costs associated with this trip:
Accommodation
Depending on your driving pace and any planned sightseeing stops, you may need one or more nights of lodging. Typically, expect to spend between $70 to $150 per night on budget to mid-range hotels. For instance, if you allocate two nights on the road, the total accommodation cost could total anywhere from $140 to $300.
Food Costs
Food expenses vary greatly based on personal preferences. A daily food budget of approximately $30 to $60 per person is reasonable for roadside diners, fast food, and some sit-down meals. Multiply this by the number of travelers and the duration of your trip to approximate this cost.
Tolls and Miscellaneous Expenses
Some routes may incur tolls—especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. Allocate an extra $20 to $60 for tolls depending on the specific route chosen. Also, account for miscellaneous expenses such as attractions, snacks, or other travel incidentals.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delaware to South Dakota provides an exciting opportunity to explore various regions across the nation. The recommended route via I-76 West to I-70 West is not only the most cost-efficient and time-effective but also offers travelers a chance to witness beautiful landscapes along the way. Completing the journey typically takes around 19.5 hours, depending on traffic and breaks, making it feasible for a long weekend getaway or an adventurous week-long trip. Happy travels!