Driving Cost from Buffalo, Minnesota to Banff, Alberta

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The Cost of a Trip between Buffalo, Minnesota and Banff, Alberta with Current Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Buffalo, Minnesota to Banff, Alberta in Canada? The estimated distance between these two places is approximately 1,450 miles and can take over 23 hours of driving. If you are driving, you want to know the cost of the trip – including gas, food, accommodation, and other expenses. In this guide, we will discuss the various possible routes, the distance, the cost, and the best route to take.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes that you can take when driving from Buffalo, Minnesota to Banff, Alberta. Here are the five most common routes:

Route 1: Via I-94 W and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1

This route takes you through North Dakota, Montana, and Calgary in Canada. The distance is about 1,420 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 23 hours. This route is the shortest and usually is the fastest.

Route 2: Via I-94 W and Hwy 2

This route goes through North Dakota and Montana and takes you across the Canadian Border and into Calgary. It covers approximately 1,438 miles, and the estimated driving time is also about 23 hours.

Route 3: Via US-12 W

This route takes you through South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. You will then cross the Canadian border into Alberta. The distance is about 1,926 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 31 hours.

Route 4: Via I-90 W and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1

This route goes through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Calgary in Canada. The distance is about 1,790 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 29 hours.

Route 5: Via I-90 W and Hwy 2

This route takes you through South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and across the Canadian border into Calgary. The distance is approximately 1,722 miles, and the estimated driving time is about 28 hours.

Cost of the Trip

The cost of a trip depends on various factors, including the distance, accommodation, and gas prices. Here, we will discuss the cost of the trip for each route mentioned above.

Route 1: Via I-94 W and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1

Assuming a gas price of $2.50 per gallon, and getting about 25 miles per gallon for a regular car, it would take about $170 for gasoline to get from Buffalo, Minnesota to Banff, Alberta. Accommodation per night ranges from $50 to $150. Assuming a night stop somewhere along the way, the cost may range from $150 to $450 for a two to three-day journey.

Route 2: Via I-94 W and Hwy 2

Here the gas price and the car mile per gallon are the same. The approximate cost of gas would be also around $170. Accommodation per night ranges from $50 to $150. Assuming a one-stop night, the total cost of the journey would range from $270 to $370 for two to three days.

Route 3: Via US-12 W

To follow route 3, you would need to drive an extra 500 miles than the other routes mentioned above. Assuming the same gas price per gallon and vehicle mile per gallon, the approximate cost of gas would be roughly about $256. Accommodation cost per night ranges from $50 to $150. Assuming a two to three nights stay along the way, the total cost of the journey would be approximately $356 to $556.

Route 4: Via I-90 W and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1

The gas price and vehicle mile per gallon are the same for this route as in the others. Assuming the same, the approximate cost of gasoline would be roughly around $204. Accommodation cost per night ranges from $50 to $150. Assuming a night stop along the way, the total cost for two to three days journey will be around $304 to $504.

Route 5: Via I-90 W and Hwy 2

Assuming the same gas price per gallon and vehicle mile per gallon, the approximate cost of gasoline would be roughly around $196. Again, accommodation per night varies from $50 to $150. Assuming a one-stop night, the total cost for two to three days journey is approximately $296 to $396.

All the above routes may seem similar; however, route 1 (Via I-94 W and Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1) is the best route to take when driving from Buffalo, Minnesota, to Banff, Alberta. It is the shortest, and the most populated, so you'll never feel stranded or isolated if you need help or assistance. It depends on your traveling itinerary, but it's the right balance of the fastest route while keeping in mind safety and convenience

Conclusion

Driving from Buffalo, Minnesota, to Banff, Alberta can take approximately 23 hours or more, depending on the route you have taken and your driving speed. The cost of the trip also depends on the distance, gas prices, accommodation, and other factors. Route 1 is recommended as it is the shortest and most populated road. With the cost of the trip, food, and accommodation, a two to three-day journey could cost around $170 to $450. Be sure to plan accordingly and make sure your vehicle is ready for a long-distance trip. Drive safely!