The Cost of a Trip between Billings, Montana and Rochester, Minnesota

Traveling interstate can be a bit of a hassle, especially when it comes to figuring out the best routes and cost-effective options. If you are planning a trip between Billings, Montana, and Rochester, Minnesota, you may be wondering how much it would cost you. The cost of a trip between these two destinations depends on various factors such as the mode of transport, the route taken, and the current gas prices. In this article, we will highlight the different possible routes and the cost of each one to help you choose the cheapest option.

Routes

There are a few different routes you can take when traveling from Billings, Montana to Rochester, Minnesota. The most popular routes are through South Dakota or through Nebraska. Here is a closer look at each one:

Route through South Dakota

This route takes you through Rapid City, South Dakota and Mitchell, South Dakota. From Billings, you would take I-90 east to Rapid City, and from there, you would take Highway 14 east to Mitchell. In Mitchell, you would switch to I-90 and continue east until you reach Rochester.

The total distance of this route is approximately 1,060 miles, and it would take you about 16 hours to drive it without stopping. This route offers some fantastic views along the way, such as Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, making it a perfect option for anyone who enjoys road trips.

Route through Nebraska

The other route you can take is through Nebraska. This route takes you through Omaha, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa. From Billings, you would take I-90 east through Wyoming, and then you would switch to I-25 south in Cheyenne. Next, you would switch to I-80 east in North Platte and take that all the way to Omaha. From Omaha, you would take I-80 east to Des Moines and then I-35 north to Rochester.

The total distance of this route is approximately 1,200 miles, and it would take you about 18 hours to drive it without stopping. While this route may take slightly longer and is less scenic than the South Dakota route, it does offer a few tourist destinations along the way, such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Museum in Omaha.

Costs

The cost of a trip between Billings, Montana, and Rochester, Minnesota varies, depending on the mode of transport you choose. Here are the costs associated with each mode of transport:

Driving

If you choose to drive, the costs will include gas, car rental, and maintenance. The current average gas price in Montana is about $2.90 per gallon, and in Minnesota, it is about $2.70 per gallon. Based on these prices, a one-way trip from Billings to Rochester, via South Dakota, would cost about $165 in gas for a car that gets 25 miles per gallon. If you're taking a rented car, the typical rental cost is approximately $50 per day, and you should factor in an additional $20 per day for insurance. The entire bill for a car rental could set you back by around $300. It is also important to note that you will also need to factor in maintenance costs such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Flying

If you opt to fly, it would be more expensive than driving. Usually, round-trip flights from Billings to Rochester, depending on the airline and season, can range from $500 to $1,200. In Rochester, you may also need to rent a car. On average, a weekly car rental can go for approximately $250 with additional insurance cost.

Bus

Taking the bus may be an affordable option. The average cost of a one-way ticket from Billings to Rochester ranges from $80 to $110, depending on the bus company and the time of year. Greyhound Bus company offers a one-way ticket for $80. Several bus companies provide regular daily travel between these two destinations.

Recommendation

Based on the cost and distance, the best route to take between Billings, Montana, and Rochester, Minnesota is through South Dakota. The distance is shorter, and although gas prices in South Dakota are generally more expensive, a car rental will be cheaper, and the overall cost will likely be less. Moreover, the South Dakota route offers scenic views and sights worth seeing, making the journey enjoyable.

Conclusion

Traveling from Billings, Montana, to Rochester, Minnesota, is a long journey, no matter the route you take. However, understanding the estimated costs of each mode of transportation can help you make an informed financial decision. Regardless, the South Dakota route offers the best value for money as it provides beautiful views with affordable transportation costs.