The Cost of a Trip between Big Lake and Annandale, Minnesota

If you're planning a trip from Big Lake to Annandale, Minnesota, the cost of the trip may be a major concern. With gas prices continuing to fluctuate, it can be difficult to determine how much travel expenses will be. However, there are many factors to consider when planning a trip, such as the distance you will travel, the mode of transportation, and the route you take. This article will take a closer look at these various factors to help you determine the cost of a trip between Big Lake and Annandale.

Distance and Possible Routes

The distance between Big Lake and Annandale is approximately 18 miles. There are several routes to choose from when traveling between these two cities.

Route 1 - The Shortest Route

The shortest route from Big Lake to Annandale is via Minnesota State Highway 25, which takes approximately 22 minutes. The distance on this route is 18.3 miles. There's minimal traffic along this route, which makes it great for a quick trip between the two cities.

However, the shortest route is not always the most fuel-efficient route. This is especially true if you’re using a personal vehicle that may not have the best fuel economy. The biggest downside to this route is that you'll be using a two-lane road for most of the trip which may slow you down.

Route 2 - The Fastest Route

The fastest route between Big Lake and Annandale is via Interstate 94. To reach Annandale from Big Lake, take I-94 west for approximately 11 miles and then take exit 205 to head onto County Road 5. You will then drive for approximately 7 miles on County Road 5 to reach Annandale. This route takes approximately 19 minutes to reach Annandale from Big Lake.

The downside of taking this route is that you will be traveling on a toll road in certain parts which can add extra costs to your trip. Additionally, since you're traveling on two busy highways, the traffic may be higher during peak travel times.

The Most Fuel-Efficient Route and a Scenic view

The most fuel-efficient route from Big Lake to Annandale is via County Road 15, which takes approximately 23 minutes. The distance on this route is approximately 18 miles. This route will take you past the beautiful Lake Maria State Park which is perfect for those who love scenic views.

On this route, you’ll be driving on a two-lane road for most of the trip, but this is typically an uncrowded road that doesn't have much traffic. Therefore, it's a great option for those that want to save money on fuel.

Cost of Travel

The cost of travel primarily depends on the mode of transportation chosen for the trip. The following costs were calculated based on current gas prices (August 2021) and the fuel economy of the vehicle.

Personal Vehicle:

The fuel cost for a trip from Big Lake to Annandale is approximately $2.75 for a personal vehicle with an average fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon. This is based on an estimated travel distance of 18 miles, and gas prices at $3.09 per gallon.

Public Transportation:

Public transportation services are not available on this route, so it is not an option for travelers looking to make this trip.

Ridesharing:

Ridesharing is an option for anyone that does not have access to a vehicle. Based on this distance, a ride would cost between $16 to $42, depending on the ridesharing service and fare pricing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip between Big Lake and Annandale, Minnesota, depends on a variety of factors, including the mode of transportation, travel time, and route taken. While there are several routes to choose from, we recommend travelers take the most fuel-efficient route via County Road 15. This will not only save you money on gas and fuel costs, but also offer beautiful scenery and an enjoyable driving experience. Regardless of which route you choose, you can expect to spend approximately $2.75 in fuel costs if you’re driving your own vehicle. We hope this article has provided valuable information for travelers planning a trip between these two cities.