Cost of a Road Trip between Andover, Minnesota and Austin, Texas

Taking a road trip from one state to another can be an adventure, but also a bit overwhelming if you're not sure what route to take. There are several possible routes from Andover, Minnesota to Austin, Texas, each with its own distance and cost based on current gas prices. In this article, we will explore these different options and recommend the best route for your next trip.

Route 1 - Via I-35W and I-35 S

Distance: 1,200 miles

This is the most direct route from Andover to Austin. You will take I-35W south to Minneapolis, then merge onto I-35 S all the way down to Austin. The total distance is approximately 1,200 miles, and it should take you around 19-20 hours of driving time. You will pass through many states, including Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and finally, Texas.

The cost of gas driving this route depends on current gas prices, but with an average car that gets 25 miles to the gallon, you will need approximately 48 gallons of gas. The cost per gallon varies and is dependent on where you fill up, but with an average cost of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $120 one-way on gas. This does not include any food or lodging expenses you may have along the way.

Route 2 - Via I-94 and I-35 S

Distance: 1,310 miles

This route takes you through more of the Midwest. From Andover, you will take I-94 west towards Fargo, North Dakota. In Fargo, you will merge onto I-29 S, then onto I-35 S in Kansas City, Missouri. This route is slightly longer than Route 1, with a total distance of approximately 1,310 miles and around 21 hours of driving time.

The cost of gas driving this route is also dependent on current gas prices. With an average car that gets 25 miles to the gallon, you will need approximately 53 gallons of gas. Again, the cost per gallon varies, but with an average cost of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $132 one-way on gas. Additional expenses such as food and lodging should also be considered.

Route 3 - Via I-35 S and I-44 W

Distance: 1,360 miles

This route is longer than the first two, but takes you on a more southern route. From Andover, you will take I-35 S to Oklahoma City, where you will merge onto I-44 W. You will then follow I-44 W until it merges back onto I-35 S, which will take you the rest of the way to Austin. The total distance is approximately 1,360 miles, and it should take around 22 hours of driving time.

The cost of gas driving this route is again dependent on current gas prices. With an average car that gets 25 miles to the gallon, you will need approximately 55 gallons of gas. With an average cost of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $138 one-way on gas. This does not include any other expenses you may have along the way.

Route 4 - Via I-94, I-80, and I-35 S

Distance: 1,480 miles

This is the longest route, but it is an option if you want to see more of the East Coast. From Andover, you will take I-94 west towards Fargo, North Dakota. You will then merge onto I-80 W in Wyoming, then onto I-35 S in Kansas City, Missouri. This route takes you through ten states, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, with a total distance of approximately 1,480 miles and around 24 hours of driving time.

The cost of gas driving this route is the highest of all the options. With an average car that gets 25 miles to the gallon, you will need approximately 59 gallons of gas. With an average cost of $2.50 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $148 one-way on gas. Again, additional expenses should also be taken into account.

Recommendation

After considering all the possible routes, we recommend Route 1 - taking I-35 S all the way down to Austin - as the best option. This route is the most direct, and while it is a long drive, it is the shortest of the possible routes. It also passes through several major cities and towns, giving you opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Andover, Minnesota to Austin, Texas is a memorable experience, but you should be prepared for the distance and cost of gas. Route 1 is the most direct and, therefore, the shortest option, but it's important to keep in mind that gas prices may fluctuate, and unforeseen expenses can pop up along the way. With proper planning and budgeting, however, this trip can be a fantastic adventure. Bon voyage!