The Cost of a Trip between Blaine and Apple Valley

The cost of a trip between Blaine and Apple Valley, two suburban cities in Minnesota, can vary depending on the transportation mode, distance, and current gas prices. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes, calculate the estimated cost of each route, and recommend the best one based on affordability and efficiency.

Route Options

There are two main route options when traveling between Blaine and Apple Valley: the highway-based route and the public transportation-based route. Let's look at each one separately.

Highway-Based Route

The highway-based route is the most common route for those traveling by car. The distance between Blaine and Apple Valley using this route is approximately 30 miles. The route consists of taking Interstate 35W South to Highway 13 East.

Public Transportation-Based Route

For those who prefer public transportation, there are also options available. The most direct route is to take the Metro Transit Blue line from the Blaine Town Square Transit Station to the Mall of America, and then transfer to the Metro Transit Red line and travel south to Apple Valley Transit Station. This route has a total distance of approximately 29 miles.

Cost Analysis

Now let's take a look at the cost of each route based on current gas prices and public transportation fare.

Highway-Based Route Cost

The cost of the highway-based route will depend on the gas prices at the time of travel and the mileage of your vehicle. The average gas price in Minnesota as of June 2021 is $2.89 per gallon. Assuming your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for the one-way trip would be approximately $3.45.

Public Transportation-Based Route Cost

The public transportation-based route fare will also vary depending on whether or not you have a Metro Transit pass. For those without a pass, the cost of a one-way fare is $2.50. Therefore, the total estimated cost for the entire trip using the public transportation-based route would be $5.00.

Recommended Route

Based on the cost analysis, the recommended route for those looking for affordability would be the public transportation-based route. The cost for this route is significantly lower than the highway-based route, and it can also be more efficient during rush hour or times of heavy traffic.

Conclusion

Traveling between Blaine and Apple Valley can easily be done by either taking the highway-based route or using public transportation. Each route has its advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately the best route will depend on individual preferences and priorities. For those looking for an affordable and efficient route, the public transportation-based route is highly recommended. With a total estimated cost of $5.00, it is a cost-effective option that saves time and money, and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.