The Cost of a Trip Between Atlantic, Iowa and Minneapolis, Minnesota

Looking to travel from Atlantic, Iowa to Minneapolis, Minnesota? Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it's essential to factor in the cost of transportation. With the fluctuation in gas prices, it's crucial to be aware of the expenses involved in getting from point A to point B. In this article, we will explore the different possible routes, highlighting the costs and distances of each one. We will also recommend the best route for your journey, ensuring you can make an informed decision about your travel plans.

Route Options

Route 1: US-71 N

One of the most straightforward routes is to take US-71 N, a direct path that will lead you straight to Minneapolis. Covering a distance of approximately 305 miles, this route will take you through beautiful scenic landscapes and small, charming towns. However, it's important to note that US-71 N is a two-lane road with occasional traffic congestion, which can add some travel time to your journey.

To calculate the cost of this trip, let's assume an average gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon for your vehicle and an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon. With a distance of 305 miles, you would require approximately 12.2 gallons of gas for this route. Thus, the estimated cost of this trip in terms of gas would be around $36.60.

Route 2: I-80 W and I-35 N

Another popular option is to drive west on I-80, connecting to I-35 N, which will take you all the way up to Minneapolis. This route spans approximately 365 miles, making it slightly longer than Route 1. However, the benefit of taking this highway route is the smooth flow of traffic and regular rest stops and amenities along the way.

Using the same assumptions about gas mileage and price as above, you would require around 14.6 gallons of gas for this trip. Therefore, considering the gas cost per gallon, the estimated cost of this route would be around $43.80.

Route 3: IA-17 N and I-35 N

For those looking to explore a slightly different path, considering taking IA-17 N, which connects to I-35 N. This option adds a bit more variety to your journey, taking you through charming towns and scenic routes. While it may add a few extra miles, the change of scenery might make it worth the detour.

Covering a distance of approximately 330 miles, this route requires approximately 13.2 gallons of gas, resulting in an estimated cost of $39.60.

Recommended Route: US-71 N

After analyzing the different routes, our recommended option for the trip from Atlantic, Iowa to Minneapolis, Minnesota is Route 1, taking US-71 N. Not only is this the shortest of all the routes, but it also offers a direct path to your destination. While the other routes can provide a change of scenery, US-71 N ensures a simpler and more efficient journey, without excessive detours or potential congestion.

Furthermore, considering the estimated gas cost, Route 1 offers the most economical choice, with an estimated cost of $36.60. Although this may seem slightly cheaper than Route 3, it's important to note that the difference in gas cost between the two routes is negligible and likely not worth the additional miles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when planning your trip from Atlantic, Iowa to Minneapolis, Minnesota, it's crucial to consider the cost of transportation, primarily driven by gas prices. After evaluating the different possible routes, we recommend taking US-71 N as the optimal choice due to its direct path and economic advantage. While the other routes may have their own appeal, they either add extra miles or potential traffic congestion, making them less desirable for this particular journey.

By selecting Route 1, you can enjoy a scenic drive while maintaining a reasonable budget. Additionally, by assuming an average speed of 60 miles per hour, you can expect to complete this trip in approximately 5 hours, 4 minutes, depending on traffic and any additional stops you may make.

Happy travels and enjoy your journey from Atlantic, Iowa to Minneapolis, Minnesota!