Calculating the Cost of Driving from Duluth, Minnesota to Buffalo, New York: A Road Trip Adventure!
Planning a road trip from Duluth, Minnesota to Buffalo, New York? You're in for a scenic ride, but it’s important to know how much it might cost you along the way. In this post, we’ll break down a couple of common routes to help you budget your trip, including distances, travel times, and estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices. Let’s dive in!
Route 1: I-90 East (Long and Straight)
This is one of the most popular routes for driving from Duluth to Buffalo, as it's straightforward and mostly consists of interstate travel.
- Distance: Approximately 900 miles
- Travel Time: Around 14 hours (without significant stops)
- Gas Prices: Assuming the current average gas price is around $3.50 per gallon and your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you’ll need about 36 gallons of gas. That's approximately $126.
- Tolls: Keep in mind, when taking I-90, especially in New York, you may encounter tolls. Expect to pay around $30 in tolls throughout your journey.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 1:
Gas: $126 + Tolls: $30 = $156
Route 2: I-35 and I-80 (Scenic Detour)
If you prefer a more picturesque route with varied landscapes, consider this option that takes you south before heading east.
- Distance: Approximately 950 miles
- Travel Time: About 15 hours (including some scenic stops)
- Gas Prices: Using the same gas price and vehicle efficiency as mentioned before, you’ll need roughly 38 gallons of gas, resulting in approximately $133.
- Tolls: This route has fewer tolls overall, but you may still encounter minor tolls that could run about $15.
Total Estimated Cost for Route 2:
Gas: $133 + Tolls: $15 = $148
Additional Considerations
While the base costs of gas and tolls provide a solid estimate, don’t forget about potential expenses for food, lodging, and entertainment along the way. Those small stops for snacks or restaurant meals can add up, so plan accordingly. It also might be a good idea to check for gas discounts apps or loyalty cards, as you can often save a few bucks per gallon.
Conclusion
Whether you choose the faster route along I-90 or take the scenic detour via I-35 and I-80, knowing the costs will help you better plan your trip. In summary, if you're going for the I-90 option, expect to spend around $156 overall, while the scenic route could cost you about $148. Both routes promise beautiful views and memorable moments, so fill up that tank and get ready for an adventure! Safe travels!