Driving Cost from Des Moines, Iowa to Bemidji, Minnesota

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The Cost of a Road Trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Bemidji, Minnesota: 2023 Gas Prices Impact

A road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to Bemidji, Minnesota can be an exciting adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and unique experiences. It’s essential to consider the cost of such a journey, especially in light of current gas prices. In this article, we will explore different routes to take, calculate estimated costs based on gas prices, and recommend the best path to take for your trip.

Understanding the Journey: Basic Information

The distance between Des Moines and Bemidji is approximately 310 miles (500 kilometers) when traveling by car. However, depending on the route you choose, the miles can fluctuate slightly. To calculate the trip cost, we will use an average fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Current Gas Prices

As of October 2023, the average gas price in Iowa is around $3.50 per gallon. For Minnesota, it’s about $3.60 per gallon. We will use these prices to estimate your fuel costs.

Let’s also assume that your vehicle has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (MPG).

Route Options

There are several routes available for the Des Moines to Bemidji drive. Below, we will highlight the routes, including their estimated distances, travel times, and fuel costs.

Route 1: I-35 N and US-2 W

Distance: Approximately 325 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 5 hours 30 minutes

  1. Head north on I-35 from Des Moines.
  2. Take the I-35 N towards Ames.
  3. Continue on I-35 until you reach US-2.
  4. Follow US-2 until you arrive in Bemidji.

Cost Calculation:

  • Total gallons needed: 325 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 13 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 13 gallons × $3.50 (average gas price in Iowa) = $45.50

Route 2: I-35 N, I-494 W, and US-10 N

Distance: Approximately 315 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 5 hours 15 minutes

  1. Travel north on I-35 from Des Moines.
  2. Merge onto I-494 W towards St. Paul/Minneapolis.
  3. Continue on I-494 until you reach US-10 N.
  4. Take US-10 N and follow it to Bemidji.

Cost Calculation:

  • Total gallons needed: 315 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 12.6 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 12.6 gallons × $3.60 (average gas price in Minnesota) = $45.36

Route 3: US-169 N and MN-1 W

Distance: Approximately 340 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 5 hours 45 minutes

  1. Leave Des Moines heading north via US-169.
  2. Continue on US-169 until you connect with MN-1 W.
  3. Follow MN-1 W directly to Bemidji.

Cost Calculation:

  • Total gallons needed: 340 miles ÷ 25 MPG = 13.6 gallons
  • Fuel cost: 13.6 gallons × $3.60 = $48.96

Comparing the Cost and Convenience

When comparing the three routes, it becomes clear that the first two options are more economical in terms of fuel cost and time. Route 2 is slightly shorter and faster than Route 1 while still keeping expenses lower due to the lower gas price in Minnesota.

Routes Comparison:

Route Distance Travel Time Estimated Cost
I-35 N and US-2 W 325 miles 5 hours 30 mins $45.50
I-35 N, I-494 W, and US-10 N 315 miles 5 hours 15 mins $45.36
US-169 N and MN-1 W 340 miles 5 hours 45 mins $48.96

Based on both the distance and the cost, Route 2 (I-35 N, I-494 W, and US-10 N) emerges as the most efficient option for this trip.

Best Route Recommendation

Taking into consideration the costs and travel time, the recommended route is I-35 N, I-494 W, and US-10 N. This route not only saves you money on fuel but also provides a fairly direct path with attractions along the way. The journey promises beautiful scenery as you traverse through Minnesota's lush landscapes.

Plan Your Stops

As you plan your trip, consider potential stops along the way. Places like Albert Lea, Minnesota, make for excellent pit stops to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, or refuel. Additionally, if you enjoy nature, consider visiting one of the state parks or lakes near Bemidji for a quick detour before heading to your final destination.

Conclusion

Driving from Des Moines, Iowa, to Bemidji, Minnesota offers an opportunity to explore the Midwest while keeping an eye on your travel budget. After comparing various routes, the journey on I-35 N, I-494 W, and US-10 N stands out as the best option, saving on both time and fuel. Expect the trip to take around 5 hours and 15 minutes and cost approximately $45.36 in gas. Enjoy your travels and embrace the adventure that awaits!