The Cost of Driving From Duluth, Minnesota to Saint Paul: What You Need to Know About Gas Prices
Planning a road trip from Duluth to Saint Paul? Whether you're heading to visit friends, explore the state capital, or attend a weekend event, understanding the costs involved can help you budget accordingly. Let’s break down a couple of routes, estimate travel times, and figure out the expenses, especially focusing on current gas prices!
Route 1: I-35 South
Distance: 156 miles
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: Approximately $24.00 (based on current gas prices)
Taking the I-35 South route is the most straightforward path for getting from Duluth to Saint Paul. If you're cruising along at a decent speed, you can expect to cover about 156 miles in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Now, let's talk gas prices. As of now, the average gas price in Minnesota hovers around $3.00 per gallon. If your vehicle gets around 25 miles per gallon, you would use approximately 6.24 gallons of gas for the trip. This rounds out to about $18.72 just for fuel.
Additionally, there are no tolls on this route, so your total for this drive will settle around $18.72, plus any snacks or drinks you might need along the way!
Route 2: U.S. Highway 53 and I-94
Distance: 163 miles
Time: 3 hours
Cost: Approximately $25.20 (based on current gas prices)
If you prefer a scenic drive, consider taking U.S. Highway 53 before connecting to I-94. While this route is slightly longer at 163 miles, it allows you to enjoy some beautiful landscapes. The total drive time is about 3 hours.
For this trip, actual fuel costs will still factor in the current gas prices. Assuming the same vehicle efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you’ll be using roughly 6.52 gallons of gas, adding up to about $19.56.
However, you may encounter a toll cost of about $2.00 as you travel along I-94, which adds a small extra expense. This brings your grand total for this route to approximately $21.56.
Quick Summary of the Costs
| Route | Distance | Time | Gas Cost | Toll Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-35 South | 156 miles | 2 hours 30 mins | $18.72 | $0.00 | $18.72 |
| U.S. Highway 53 + I-94 | 163 miles | 3 hours | $19.56 | $2.00 | $21.56 |
In conclusion, while both routes get you from Duluth to Saint Paul with similar travel times, the choice depends on what kind of journey you’re looking for. Whether you're in a hurry or in the mood for a more scenic drive, be sure to consider the costs and enjoy the ride! Happy travels!