Driving Cost from Big Rapids, Michigan to Burton, Michigan

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Trip Between Big Rapids, Michigan and Burton, Michigan: Navigating Gas Prices

When planning a road trip, one of the biggest costs to consider is the price of gas. With gas prices fluctuating regularly, it can be challenging to budget for a travel expense. This article will explore the cost of a trip between Big Rapids, Michigan, and Burton, Michigan, using current gas prices. We'll also examine the various possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one to help you determine the best route for your trip.

Possible Routes

The first factor to consider when planning a trip from Big Rapids to Burton is the possible routes. There are multiple ways to get from one city to the other, each with its pros and cons. Here are some of the most common routes and some details about each:

Route 1: Taking US-131 S and I-96 E

This route is the most popular and likely taken by most people. The distance from Big Rapids to Burton is approximately 140 miles, and it will take just under 2.5 hours to make the journey. The route follows US-131 S until reaching I-96 E, which is followed for the rest of the journey.

This route is the quickest and most direct, allowing for a comfortable and straightforward journey. It's also the most convenient if you need to stop off for food or bathrooms, as there are plenty of rest stops along the way. If you're in a hurry and want to complete the journey as quickly as possible, this route's the way to go.

Route 2: Taking MI-21 E and I-75 S

This is another option for getting from Big Rapids to Burton, but it is slightly longer. The route takes MI-21 E from Big Rapids, which follows along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan, before linking up with I-75 S to finish the journey.

The distance for this route is approximately 160 miles, taking around 3 hours to complete the journey. While this route's journey is longer, it provides a beautiful scenic drive through northern Michigan. This route is perfect if you're looking for some stunning views and happy to trade a slightly longer journey for the experience.

Route 3: Taking M-37 S and M-44 W

This route is the shortest in terms of distance, coming in at around 130 miles. This route begins by following M-37 S before linking up with M-44 W and following it to Burton.

This route takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete and takes the traveler through some smaller towns and villages across Michigan. This route may suit those who wish to pass through smaller towns and villages and take their time to appreciate their journey.

Calculating the Cost

Now that we've examined the possible routes, let's look at the cost of each route. Gas prices in Michigan currently average around $2.59 per gallon, which can fluctuate daily. Keeping in mind the driving speeds and possible stops required, we can calculate how much a trip will cost under each route.

Using standard American fuel economy statistics - approximately 25 miles per gallon for city driving and 30 miles per gallon for highway driving - we can calculate the estimated fuel cost for each route. Here are the estimated fuel costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: US-131 S and I-96 E

The total distance for this route is approximately 140 miles, which will consume approximately 5 to 6 gallons of gasoline. With Michigan's current gas prices, the cost of this route would be around $13.50.

Route 2: MI-21 E and I-75 S

The total distance for this route is around 160 miles, requiring approximately 6 to 7 gallons of fuel. With Michigan's current gas prices, the cost of this route would be around $18.

Route 3: M-37 S and M-44 W

This route covers around 130 miles, consuming approximately 5 gallons of fuel. With Michigan's current gas prices, the estimated cost of this route is around $12.50.

Based on these calculations, Route 3 - M-37 S and M-44 W - is the recommended option, considering the cost and the distance that must be covered. This route is also advantageous for those that prefer to travel shorter distances and pass through smaller towns and villages.

However, there are many beautiful sights and experiences offered along the other routes. If time and budget allow for taking a slightly longer route, then Route 2 (MI-21 E and I-75 S) would be perfect. It offers a unique experience as you drive along Michigan's northern shoreline and could be suitable for travelers who want to appreciate the scenic view while traveling. Route 1 (US-131 S and I-96 E) provides the quickest and most direct journey, a useful aspect for those who want to arrive as fast as possible.

Conclusion

In summary, traveling from Big Rapids to Burton in Michigan has different routes to consider. The most popular route is Route 1, taking US-131 S and I-96 E, while Route 2, taking MI-21 E and I-75 S, offers a scenic drive along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan. The shortest route, providing the least fuel consumption, is Route 3, taking M-37 S and M-44 W. The recommended route would be the shortest route - Route 3 - given it offers the best cost-benefit ratio overall, while still providing scenery and passing through smaller towns. Overall, each route offers something unique, and considering your budget and preferences, there is an option suitable for everyone.