Driving Cost from Big Lake, Minnesota to Bloomington, Indiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Big Lake, MN to Bloomington, IN Based on Current Gas Prices

Taking a road trip from Big Lake, Minnesota to Bloomington, Indiana can be a beautiful and scenic adventure. With the right route and gas prices, it can also be an affordable one. This article will break down the different possible routes, their costs and distances, and recommend the best route.

The Possible Routes to Bloomington

There are several ways to get from Big Lake, MN to Bloomington, IN. Depending on which route you choose, you may encounter different costs and distance.

Route 1: Via I-94 and I-65

One of the most popular routes to Bloomington, IN is taking I-94 East and I-65. This route has a total distance of 670 miles and an estimated driving time of 10 hours and 52 minutes, according to Google Maps.

This route takes drivers through cities such as Milwaukee, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The route is filled with stunning Midwest landscapes like Lake Michigan and Indiana fields.

However, drivers need to be aware that this route has a significant number of tolls. For example, getting from Wisconsin to Indiana on I-94 and I-294 alone would require drivers to pay over $22 in toll fees.

Route 2: Via I-35 and I-65

Another popular route takes drivers from Big Lake, MN, to Bloomington, IN via I-35 South and I-65 East. This route has a total distance of 920 miles, making it longer than the previous one, with an estimated driving time of 14 hours and 30 minutes.

This route traverses through Des Moines, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. While it is longer, its main advantage is that there are fewer tolls than Route 1.

Route 3: Via US-51

This route is the least popular of the three routes and is considered the most scenic. It involves taking US-51 South from Big Lake, MN, all the way to Bloomington, IN. The total distance of this route is 920 miles, and it takes approximately 16 hours and 40 minutes to drive.

This route passes through some of the quaintest Midwest towns in Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The path also provides incredible scenic views of the beautiful Mississippi River.

Possible Costs of the Routes

The cost of a road trip depends on several factors - including gas prices, the route taken, and driving habits.

Gas Prices

According to GasBuddy, as of July 2021, the average price of gas in Minnesota is $2.94 per gallon, while in Indiana, it's $2.94 per gallon.

Keep in mind that these prices can fluctuate frequently, so it's best always to check before heading out.

Route 1

If drivers choose to take Route 1, they can estimate their gas costs using fuel economy estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy. Assuming a car has a twenty-gallon tank and gets twenty-two miles per gallon on the highway, the cost of gas for the entire trip would be approximately $325.

In addition to gas costs, drivers also need to consider tolls along this route. Tolls can add up quickly, so drivers should be prepared. Some tolls drivers will encounter along Route 1 include:

  • Illinois Tollway - $10.50
  • Indiana Toll Road - $8.15
  • Skyway Booths - $5.50

Overall, drivers should expect to pay approximately $24 in toll fees throughout the entire trip.

Route 2

Using the same fuel economy estimates as Route 1 and considering that Route 2 has a longer distance, the estimated gas cost on this route is $450.

This route has only a few tolls that drivers should not to worry too much about. A few of the tolls drivers will pay include:

  • Kansas Turnpike - $5.50
  • Indiana Toll Road - $8.15

In summary, drivers should expect to pay $13.65 in road tolls along the way.

Route 3

For Route 3, using fuel economy estimates and the trip’s total mileage, the estimated gas cost is around $460.

However, drivers who follow this route encounter fewer tolls than the previous two. Aside from encounters with minimal toll fees, drivers should expect to pay $3 in total for tolls throughout the entire trip.

The Most Cost-Effective Route

Considering the cost of gas and toll fees, Route 2, which goes through I-35 and I-65, appears to be the most cost-effective option. Even though it is longer, a lack of tolls offsets the additional distance.

Because this route passes through several cities, it is easier to find gas stations and rest stops. It is also best to start the drive with a full gas tank to make it accessible.

Conclusion

Driving from Big Lake, Minnesota, to Bloomington, Indiana, can be a fun and affordable adventure. Drivers can choose from multiple routes that provide breathtaking views and experiences. However, if budget is a factor, the recommended route is Route 2 via I-35 and I-65, which has the fewest tolls and gas expenditures. In the end, the trip would take an estimated 14 hours and 30 minutes.