Road Trip Budget: Driving from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri to Minneapolis, Minnesota on a Budget
Are you planning a road trip from downtown Kansas City, Missouri to the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota? Not only is this journey filled with exciting sights, but it’s also essential to plan your budget, particularly when it comes to gas prices and possible tolls. Let’s break down the costs and time for a couple of routes you could take to make the most of your trip!
Route 1: I-35 North
This is the most direct route, taking you through some lovely Midwestern landscapes.
- Distance: about 413 miles
- Estimated driving time: around 6 hours and 30 minutes
Gas Prices
Currently, the average gas price in the Midwest is about $3.50 per gallon. Assuming your car has an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need approximately 16.5 gallons for this trip.
Calculating the cost:
- 16.5 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $57.75
Thus, for the trip along I-35 North, you should budget around $57.75 for gas.
Tolls
The great news is that this route does not typically incur toll costs, making it a convenient and budget-friendly choice!
Route 2: I-70 East and I-35 North
If you're in the mood for a little scenic detour, you can take the I-70 East to I-35 North. This route offers a bit more variety and might be worth considering.
- Distance: about 440 miles
- Estimated driving time: approximately 7 hours
Gas Prices
Using the same average gas price of $3.50 per gallon, and with a distance of 440 miles, you'll need around 17.6 gallons.
Calculating the cost:
- 17.6 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $61.60
For this I-70 and I-35 combination, you should expect to spend about $61.60 on gas.
Tolls
This route may include a few small tolls, especially around specific areas in Missouri. Budgeting around $5-$10 for possible tolls should cover it nicely.
Route 3: Scenic Route via I-80
For the adventurous souls who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of I-80 and I-35, this route is fantastic!
- Distance: approximately 450 miles
- Estimated driving time: around 8 hours
Gas Prices
Again, using the average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and estimating a need for about 18 gallons of gas:
Calculating the cost:
- 18 gallons x $3.50/gallon = $63.00
So, for this scenic route, budget around $63.00 for gas.
Tolls
The I-80 route may include some tolls. Prepare for about $10-$15 in toll costs as you travel along this beautiful path.
Summary
So, which route should you choose? If you’re looking for the quickest and cheapest option, I recommend Route 1: I-35 North, costing around $57.75 with no tolls. On the other hand, if you want a bit more adventure and scenery, the longer routes might just be worth it, even if they do cost a little more in gas and tolls.
No matter which route you take, the journey from Kansas City to Minneapolis is bound to be an experience filled with fun, exploration, and memories. Happy travels!