The Cost of a Trip Between Burnsville, Minnesota and River Falls, Wisconsin
If you're planning a trip between Burnsville, Minnesota and River Falls, Wisconsin, you'll no doubt want to know the cost of getting there. The good news is that there are several options available, each with its own pros and cons in terms of cost, distance, and convenience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at each of these options, compare their costs, and recommend the best route for your needs.
Option 1: Driving
Driving is by far the most common choice for those traveling between Burnsville and River Falls. It's also the most flexible, as you can leave whenever you want and stop wherever you want along the way. However, it's important to factor in the cost of gas, as well as wear and tear on your vehicle.
Route and Distance
The most direct route between Burnsville and River Falls is via WI-35, which takes you through Hastings and Prescott. This route is approximately 30 miles and takes about 40 minutes without traffic.
Cost of Gas
According to AAA, the average price of gas in Minnesota as of May 2021 is $2.94 per gallon. Based on the distance of 30 miles, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon would require approximately 1.2 gallons of gas each way. This brings the total cost of gas for the round trip to around $7.05.
Additional Costs
In addition to gas, it's important to factor in the cost of wear and tear on your vehicle, including oil changes, tire wear, and maintenance. According to AAA, the cost of operating a midsize sedan is around $0.60 per mile, which would add an additional $36 for the round trip.
Option 2: Bus
If you don't have a car or don't want to drive, taking a bus is a convenient and affordable option. There are several bus companies that operate between Burnsville and River Falls, including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Megabus.
Route and Distance
The exact route and distance will depend on the bus company and departure time. Some buses may take the same WI-35 route as driving, while others may take a longer scenic route. Buses typically take around 1-2 hours, depending on the number of stops and traffic.
Cost of Ticket
The cost of a bus ticket can vary depending on the company, departure time, and how far in advance you book. On average, a one-way ticket can range from $10 to $25, making the total cost of a round trip between $20 and $50.
Additional Costs
Unlike driving, taking a bus doesn't require any additional costs associated with vehicle wear and tear. However, if you need to get to the bus station, you may need to pay for transportation or parking.
Option 3: Train
Taking a train may not be the first option that comes to mind when traveling between Burnsville and River Falls, but it's actually a viable option that offers a unique and scenic travel experience. Amtrak operates a train service between the Twin Cities and Hudson, Wisconsin, which is just a short drive from River Falls.
Route and Distance
The Amtrak route takes you through St. Paul and Minneapolis before crossing the St. Croix River into Wisconsin. From there, it's a short drive to River Falls. The total distance is around 95 miles and takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the number of stops.
Cost of Ticket
The cost of an Amtrak ticket can vary depending on the departure time, how far in advance you book, and whether you choose economy or business class. On average, a one-way ticket can range from $20 to $40, making the total cost of a round trip between $40 and $80.
Additional Costs
As with taking a bus, taking a train doesn't require any additional costs associated with vehicle wear and tear. However, you may need to pay for transportation to and from the train station, as well as parking if you're driving.
Conclusion
After analyzing the three options for traveling between Burnsville and River Falls, it's clear that driving is the cheapest option if you have a car and don't mind the extra time behind the wheel. However, if you don't have a car or don't want to drive, taking a bus or train can be a convenient and affordable option as well. Ultimately, the best option for your needs will depend on your budget, travel time, and personal preferences. Regardless of which option you choose, you can rest assured that traveling between Burnsville and River Falls is easy and accessible.