The Cost of a Trip Between Brooten, Minnesota and Gulf Shores, Alabama: Finding the Best Route Based on Gas Prices

Are you planning a road trip from Brooten, Minnesota to Gulf Shores, Alabama? With the current gas prices, it's important to weigh your options and find the most affordable and efficient route. In this article, we'll explore the different routes available, highlight their costs and distances, and recommend the best route for your trip.

Route 1: I-35 South and I-35E South

This route takes you through southern Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas before joining I-10 in Texas and continuing on to Alabama. The total distance is around 1,300 miles, and the estimated travel time is about 19 hours.

Using GasBuddy's Trip Cost Calculator, we can estimate the cost of gas for this route based on the current average gas prices in each state. As of June 2021, the average gas price in Minnesota is $2.82, in Iowa it's $2.84, in Missouri it's $2.88, in Arkansas it's $2.77, in Texas it's $2.73, and in Alabama it's $2.84. For a car that gets 25 miles per gallon, the estimated total cost of gas for this trip would be $226.

Route 2: I-94 West, I-35 South, and I-35E South

This route takes you west through North Dakota and South Dakota before heading south through Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas. Like Route 1, it joins I-10 in Texas and continues on to Alabama. The total distance is around 1,500 miles, and the estimated travel time is about 21 hours.

Using the same calculation method as above and based on the current average gas prices in each state, the estimated total cost of gas for this trip would be $290.

Route 3: I-94 West, I-90 West, I-29 South, I-35 South, and I-35E South

This route takes you west through North Dakota before heading south through South Dakota and into eastern Wyoming. From there, you'll proceed south through Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas before joining I-10 and continuing on to Alabama. The total distance is around 1,800 miles, and the estimated travel time is about 26 hours.

Again, using the same calculation method as above and based on the current average gas prices in each state, the estimated total cost of gas for this trip would be $342.

Route 4: I-94 West, I-90 West, I-25 South, US-285 South, I-40 East, and I-65 South

This route takes you west through North Dakota before heading south through South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. From there, you'll proceed east through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee before heading south into Alabama. The total distance is around 2,000 miles, and the estimated travel time is about 30 hours.

Using the same calculation method as above and based on the current average gas prices in each state, the estimated total cost of gas for this trip would be $402.

Conclusion

Based on the above calculations, Route 1 is the most affordable route with a total estimated cost of gas of $226. However, it's important to consider other factors like tolls, traffic, and potential detours when planning your road trip. Additionally, it's always a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Ultimately, the best route for your trip will depend on your individual preferences and circumstances. Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to take breaks, stay safe, and enjoy the journey. Happy travels!