The Cost of a Road Trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota? One of the primary concerns that may be at the top of your mind is the total cost of the trip. This article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the different possible routes, the distance, and the cost to help you plan your trip better.

Route Options

There are three primary routes when driving from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota. These include:

Route 1 – via I-39 N and I-94 W

This is the shortest route and covers a distance of 458 miles. The route involves taking I-39 N from Bloomington and then linking up with I-94 W. Once on I-94 W, you will pass through the cities of Madison and Eau Claire before reaching Minneapolis.

Route 2 – via I-80 W, I-380 N, and I-35 N

This route covers a distance of 579 miles and is the second shortest option. This route involves taking I-80 W and then linking up with I-380 N. You will then join up with I-35 N and pass through the cities of Des Moines, Waterloo, and Albert Lea before reaching Minneapolis.

Route 3 – via US-52 N

This route covers a distance of 471 miles and involves taking US-52 N all the way to Minneapolis. This route passes through the cities of Rochester and St. Paul.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of the road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota will depend on several factors. In this section, we will explore the different costs that you can expect to incur along the way.

Gasoline Costs

The cost of gas is a significant factor when it comes to a road trip. According to recent data, the average gas price in Illinois is around $2.72 per gallon, while Minnesota has an average of $2.63 per gallon. To calculate the total cost of gas, multiply the distance of each route by the average gas price per gallon in each state.

For Route 1, which is the shortest route, the total distance is 458 miles. Therefore, the total cost of gas, based on the current prices, will be around $64.72. For Route 2, which is the longest route, the total distance is 579 miles. Therefore, the total cost of gas will be around $81.30. For Route 3, the total distance is 471 miles, and the total cost of gas will be around $66.36.

Other Costs

Other costs that you can expect to incur include lodging, food, and tolls. These costs will vary depending on your preferences. The cost of lodging around the halfway point may be around $90 on average, while meals and snacks may cost around $30-$40 per day. Tolls are minimal, with each route only having a few toll booths.

Recommendations

Based on the distance and the cost, Route 1 is the best route to take when traveling from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although the other routes may be shorter, they require traveling on various highways, which may have more traffic, construction or stops, resulting in increased travel time.

Route 1, on the other hand, is more direct and will help you save on gas costs. Moreover, Madison and Eau Claire are excellent cities to explore, so you can make some stops along the way and turn it into a mini-vacation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Bloomington, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a rewarding and exciting experience. The trip offers fantastic scenery and cultural sights, as well as the chance to explore other cities along the way. With our guide, you can make an informed decision on your route, factor in the costs, and make the most out of your journey. The trip is approximately 7 hours of driving time, and we recommend taking breaks and stretching to make the drive more comfortable. Bon Voyage!