The Cost of a Road Trip Between Cambridge, MN and Gillette, WY

Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge, Minnesota to Gillette, Wyoming? If you are, then you're probably wondering how much it will cost you to get there. In this article, we'll break down the cost of the trip and give you some advice on the best route to take.

The Possible Routes

There are two main routes you could take when driving from Cambridge to Gillette. The first route is to head west on US-2 until you reach Montana. From there, you would take I-90 west to Gillette. This route is the shortest and fastest, but it also requires you to drive through some remote areas that may lack services such as gas stations or other conveniences.

The second route takes you through South Dakota. You would travel south on I-35 until you reach Des Moines, Iowa. From there, you would take I-80 west until you reach western South Dakota. Once there, you would head north on I-90, eventually reaching Gillette. This route is longer and slower, but it allows you to drive through beautiful scenery and visit some of the country's most famous landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore.

The Cost of Each Route

The cost of a road trip is directly influenced by the distance traveled and gas prices. Therefore, we'll break down each route by distance and the current average gas prices in the respective states.

Route 1: Cambridge, MN to Gillette, WY via US-2 & I-90

According to Google Maps, the distance between Cambridge and Gillette using US-2 and I-90 is approximately 1,000 miles. Let's assume that you're driving an average car that gets around 30 miles per gallon and that gas prices range from $2 to $3 per gallon (as of July 2021).

With these figures, your trip will cost you between $66 and $100 on gas alone. However, you also need to factor in the cost of food, accommodation, and any other expenses you might incur along the way.

Route 2: Cambridge, MN to Gillette, WY via I-35, I-80 & I-90

Using Google Maps, we can see that the distance between Cambridge and Gillette using I-35, I-80, and I-90 is approximately 1,350 miles. The increased complexity of the route also means you have to fill up more frequently, which can increase the cost of the trip significantly.

Assuming you're driving a car that gets 30 miles per gallon, let's calculate the cost of gas based on the current US average price of $3.16 per gallon (as of July 2021).

Your trip will cost you approximately $112 on gas alone. As with Route 1, you also need to factor in accommodation, food, and other expenses that will add to your overall cost.

The Best Route

While both routes are possible, there are pros and cons to each, and ultimately it's up to you to decide which route to take. However, it's worth noting that Route 1 is a shorter distance and, therefore, will cost less on gas and fewer expenses, making it an overall more affordable option.

Route 2, on the other hand, takes you through some fantastic scenery and gives you the opportunity to visit some famous landmarks on the way, but the added distance will mean a more substantial expense overall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of driving from Cambridge, Minnesota, to Gillette, Wyoming, depends on the route you take, current gas prices, and other expenses you might incur along the way. However, whatever route you choose, you can expect to spend between $66 and $112 on gas alone.

We recommend taking Route 1, as it is the shorter and more affordable route overall. However, if you have the time and are looking for a more adventurous route that offers stunning scenery and the possibility to visit famous landmarks, then Route 2 might be a better option for you.

Whichever route you take, make sure to plan your trip accordingly and stay safe on the roads. Happy travels!