Driving Cost from Chanhassen, Minnesota to Charles City, Iowa

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The Cost of a Trip between Chanhassen, Minnesota and Charles City, Iowa: Based on Current Gas Prices

Are you planning to travel between Chanhassen, Minnesota and Charles City, Iowa? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost you to make the trip. While there are several different routes you could take, each one will differ in terms of distance and cost. Read on to discover the best route and how much you can expect to pay.

Route Options

Before we dive into costs and distances, let's take a look at the different route options available. There are three main ways that you could travel between Chanhassen and Charles City:

  1. I-35W S and I-35 S
  2. US-52 S and I-90 W
  3. MN-13 S and US-18 W

Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore each one in more detail.

Option 1: I-35W S and I-35 S

The first and most direct route between Chanhassen and Charles City is to take I-35W S and I-35 S. This route covers a distance of 170 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes without traffic. The journey involves taking I-35W South until it merges with I-35 Southbound, which you will then follow to Charles City.

While this route is the shortest distance between the two locations, it does have its challenges. Firstly, it is the busiest route, with heavy traffic during peak hours, which can slow you down and add to your travel time. Additionally, tolls are required for certain sections of I-35, which can add up.

Option 2: US-52 S and I-90 W

The second route you could take is to travel down US-52 S until you reach I-90 W, which will take you to Charles City. This route covers a distance of 177 miles and takes approximately 3 hours without traffic. The journey involves following US-52 S until the junction with I-90 W, which then takes you directly to Charles City.

While this route is slightly longer than the first option, it does have some advantages. Firstly, there are no tolls on this route, which can save you money. Secondly, there is often less traffic, which can make for a more pleasant journey.

Option 3: MN-13 S and US-18 W

The third route you could take is to go down MN-13 S until you reach US-18 W, which will take you to Charles City. This route covers a distance of 200 miles and takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes without traffic. The journey involves following MN-13 S until it meets with US-18 W, which you then follow directly to Charles City.

While this route is the longest distance between the two locations, it does have some benefits. Firstly, it is often less busy than the first two options, making for a more pleasant journey. Secondly, there are no tolls on this route, which can save you money.

Cost

So, how much can you expect to pay when traveling between Chanhassen and Charles City? Of course, the exact cost will depend on several factors, such as the vehicle you are driving, fuel efficiency, and current gas prices. As of September 2021, the average gas price in Minnesota is $3.06 per gallon, while the average in Iowa is $2.99 per gallon. Let's examine the approximate cost for each route when traveling with a vehicle that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (mpg).

Option 1: I-35W S and I-35 S

Assuming that you will use approximately six gallons of gas for the whole trip (based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg), and an average gas price of $3.06 per gallon, the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $18.36. Additionally, tolls are required for travel on certain sections of I-35, which can range between $4 and $8 depending on your specific route and vehicle.

Option 2: US-52 S and I-90 W

Assuming that you will use approximately seven gallons of gas for the whole trip (based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg), and an average gas price of $3.03 per gallon (the average between Minnesota and Iowa), the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $21.21.

Option 3: MN-13 S and US-18 W

Assuming that you will use approximately eight gallons of gas for the whole trip (based on an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg), and an average gas price of $2.99 per gallon (the average in Iowa), the total cost of gas for this route is approximately $23.92.

Conclusion

Overall, the best route to take between Chanhassen and Charles City will depend on your priorities. If you are in a hurry and don't mind paying extra for tolls, then Option 1 may be the best choice for you. If you want to save money on tolls and don't mind a slightly longer journey, then Option 2 or 3 may be better. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which route suits your needs best.

Assuming an average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, and average gas prices in both states, the total cost of a trip between Chanhassen and Charles City will range between $18.36 and $23.92. Of course, other expenses such as food, lodging, and vehicle maintenance will also affect the cost of your trip. However, with this information, you can start to plan your travel budget and make an informed decision about which route is best for you.