The Cost of Driving From Blaine, Minnesota to Hastings, Nebraska

Are you planning a road trip from Blaine, Minnesota to Hastings, Nebraska? Well, buckle up and let's crunch some numbers to give you an idea of how much this journey might cost you based on current gas prices. We'll explore a few different routes, highlighting their distances, the time it takes to travel, and the cost of each route, including gas prices and toll fees.

Route 1: The Direct Route

If you prefer the shortest and most straightforward route, simply follow the I-35 South all the way from Blaine, Minnesota to Hastings, Nebraska. This direct route covers a total distance of 502 miles. Driving without any stops or detours, you can expect to spend around 7 hours behind the wheel.

Now, let's talk about the cost. Fill your tank with some gas, as it's likely to be your primary expense on this road trip. Considering the current average gas price of $2.80 per gallon, and assuming your vehicle gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, you will need approximately 20 gallons of gas for the entire journey. This comes to a total gas expense of $56.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for some sightseeing and don't mind adding a little extra time to your trip, you can take a more scenic route. Follow I-35 South, but at Albert Lea, Minnesota, take the exit onto I-90 West, which will eventually lead you to Hastings, Nebraska.

The scenic route will take you on a slightly longer journey, covering a total distance of 538 miles. With stops and detours, you can expect this route to take around 8 hours.

Now let's crunch the numbers for this route. You'll need approximately 22 gallons of gas with the same average gas price of $2.80 per gallon. That brings the total gas expenses to approximately $61.60. Keep in mind that the longer distance will slightly increase your toll expenses as well, so make sure to factor that into your budget.

Route 3: The Budget-Friendly Route

If you're looking to save some money on gas and are willing to trade off a little extra time, we have a budget-friendly option for you. Rather than taking the highway, try taking state roads and county roads, while still maintaining a relatively direct path.

This alternative route consists of a total distance of 470 miles and should take you around 9 hours to reach Hastings, Nebraska. The extra time is primarily due to lower speed limits and potential traffic on smaller roads.

Now, let's calculate the cost. With the same average gas price of $2.80 per gallon and an average speed of 55 miles per hour, you'll need approximately 19 gallons of gas for this journey, resulting in a total gas expense of approximately $53.20. Since you'll be avoiding highways, toll expenses should be minimal or non-existent, helping you save even more.

In Conclusion

Regardless of the route you choose, there's no doubt that a road trip from Blaine, Minnesota to Hastings, Nebraska will be an exciting adventure. Remember to plan ahead, including your gas expenses and any toll fees you may encounter. And most importantly, enjoy the journey, the open road, and the memories you'll make along the way!