The Cost of a Trip Between Blaine and Afton: Driving Alternatives

As we all know, Minnesota has a lot of scenic and picturesque routes between major cities and towns. Blaine and Afton are not an exemption. They are located approximately 35 miles apart, and there are different routes between the two cities. You can always plan the journey on your own, or you can enlist the help of a travel agent. In this article, we'll discuss the cost and distance of each possible route, so you can make an informed decision.

The Possible Routes

The MN-95 route

This route is approximately 43 miles long, and it takes approximately 46 minutes to get to your destination. The journey takes you through the scenic Highway 95 on the eastern side of the Twin Cities Metro Area. One of the benefits of this route is that it doesn't have any interstate segments, which means the speed limit is lower, and the traffic is lighter. The cost of this route is low, mainly due to its short distance.

The I-35E route

This route stretches 48 miles from Blaine to Afton. It should take you around 49 minutes to arrive at your destination. This route takes you through downtown St. Paul, which can be time-consuming due to traffic during peak hours. However, it is the fastest route between Blaine and Afton, and it doesn't have tolls. You'll use I-35E south to Fort Snelling State Park, and then you'll join Highway 55 east to Afton. The fuel cost may be slightly higher on this route due to the longer distance.

The I-94 route

This route is approximately 62 miles long, and it may take you up to 55 minutes to get to Afton. You'll pass through St. Paul, hug the St. Croix River, and then cross the river to reach Afton. This route is longer than the other two options, but it offers a scenic view of the St. Croix River Valley. Also, this route is the fastest way of getting to Afton; you'll use I-94 east, then cross the river at Hudson and then join WI-35 South to Afton. The fuel cost is highest due to longer distance and wider roads.

Recommending the Best Route

After considering the different routes between Blaine and Afton, we recommend using the MN-95 route. This route is shorter, less congested, and cheaper than the I-35E and I-94 routes. Also, this route is not prone to traffic congestion, which means that you can save more time than you would on the other routes. However, if you need to get to Afton quickly, then the I-35E route is the best option.

Conclusion

Every road has its cost, and it is essential to know these costs before embarking on any journey. Driving between Blaine and Afton is not only cheap but also convenient and offers you a scenic view of the St. Croix River Valley. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the shortest, fastest, or most scenic route between the two cities. Nevertheless, we highly recommend using the MN-95 route as it is less congested and cheaper compared to the other routes. We hope that this article helps you to plan and budget your Blaine to Afton road trip. Safe travels!