The Cost of a Trip Between Buffalo, Minnesota and Austin, Minnesota

Are you planning a trip from Buffalo, Minnesota to Austin, Minnesota but wondering about the cost implications? Worry no more! In this article, we highlight the different possible routes, their distance, and the estimated cost you should budget for each. We'll also recommend the best route.

Possible Routes

Route 1: Using MN-55 E and I-35 S

Distance: 161 miles

Estimated Cost: $22.13

This route is the shortest and quickest. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Austin. To get to I-35 S, you need to follow MN-55 E, and along the way, you will pass by several towns and cities, including Maple Lake, Annandale, South Haven, Clearwater, and St. Augusta. Once you get onto I-35 S, you will pass by cities such as Litchfield, Waterville, Waseca, Owatonna before finally getting to Austin.

Route 2: Using MN-25 S and US-52 S

Distance: 183 miles

Estimated Cost: $25.47

This route might take you a bit longer, about 3 hours and 15 minutes, to get to Austin. It also entails passing by several cities and towns, including Monticello, Buffalo, Mayer, Carver, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, and Rochester. Once you get onto US-52 S, it is only an hour's drive to Austin.

Route 3: Using I-94 W and I-35 S

Distance: 177 miles

Estimated Cost: $24.46

This route is a bit longer, and you will spend about 3 hours on the road. To get to I-35 S, you need to follow I-94 W and pass by towns and cities such as St. Michael, Albertville, Elk River, Big Lake, Clearwater, and St. Augusta. You will also pass by cities such as St. Cloud, Sauk Center, Alexandria, and Faribault before finally getting to Austin.

Recommended Route

From the above routes, Route 1 is the best option to take. It is the shortest and quickest route and has the lowest estimated cost. It also has fewer cities and towns along the way, which means that there is less potential for traffic congestion. However, if you have some extra time to spare, you might want to consider Route 3, as it passes through several cities with scenic views.

Cost Implications

When preparing your budget for the trip, you should take into account the cost of gas, which is the most significant expense. Gas prices along the route vary, depending on the city or town you are in. The average gas price per gallon in Minnesota is $2.95. Assuming your car's gas mileage is 25 miles per gallon, here is a breakdown of how much gas you will need and how much you should budget for each route:

Route 1:

Gas Needed: 6.44 gallons

Estimated Gas Cost: $19

Route 2:

Gas Needed: 7.32 gallons

Estimated Gas Cost: $21.60

Route 3:

Gas Needed: 7.08 gallons

Estimated Gas Cost: $20.89

To come up with the estimated costs, we multiplied the number of gas gallons required by the price per gallon. Keep in mind that this is just an estimated cost, and the actual cost might vary based on factors such as your car's gas mileage, traffic, and individual gas station prices along the route.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Route 1 is the best option to take when traveling from Buffalo, Minnesota, to Austin, Minnesota, as it is the shortest, quickest, and has the lowest estimated cost. Gas prices and the distance of the routes should also be considered when budgeting for the trip. Once you have prepared your budget, you can now go ahead and enjoy your trip to Austin, Minnesota, while taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.