The Cost of a Road Trip Between Blaine, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida

If you're planning a road trip from Blaine, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida, you might be wondering how much it will cost you. The cost of a road trip can vary depending on several factors, including gas prices, the distance you'll be traveling, and the route you take. In this article, we'll explore the cost of a road trip between Blaine and Jacksonville based on the current gas prices, the different possible routes, and which route we recommend.

The Cost of Gas

Before we dive into the cost of the trip itself, let's take a look at the current gas prices. As of September 2021, the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States is around $3.17. However, gas prices can vary depending on where you are in the country, and they can also fluctuate over time. To get the most accurate estimate of how much your road trip will cost, you should check the gas prices in the specific areas you'll be traveling through.

The Distance

The distance between Blaine, Minnesota, and Jacksonville, Florida, is approximately 1,390 miles. This distance can vary depending on the route you take, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip. The driving time between the two cities is around 21 hours, so you'll want to plan for some overnight stops along the way.

The Routes

Now that we have an idea of the distance and the cost of gas, let's take a look at the different routes you can take from Blaine to Jacksonville.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The fastest route from Blaine to Jacksonville is to take I-94 E and I-75 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,692 miles and takes around 25 hours to drive. This route will take you through several major cities, including Chicago, Indianapolis, and Atlanta. However, this route does have tolls, and you'll need to budget for those as well.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you're looking for a more scenic route, you can take I-35 S and I-40 E. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,825 miles and takes around 27 hours to drive. Along the way, you'll pass through the Ozark National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This route does not have any tolls, but keep in mind that it's a longer drive, so you'll need to budget for additional gas.

Route 3: The Midwestern Route

Another option is to take I-80 E and I-74 S. This route covers a distance of approximately 1,533 miles and takes around 24 hours to drive. On this route, you'll pass through cities like Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. This route does have tolls, so make sure to factor those into your budget.

The Cost of the Trip

Now that we've looked at the different routes, let's take a closer look at the cost of the trip. To calculate the cost, we'll assume you're driving a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon and that the average cost of gas along the way is $3.17 per gallon.

Route 1: The Fastest Route

Based on these assumptions, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $186. This route also has tolls, which can add up quickly. To get an accurate estimate of the toll costs, you'll need to use a toll calculator. However, for the purposes of this article, let's assume the tolls will cost around $50. That brings the total cost of the trip to approximately $236.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

The cost of gas for this route would be approximately $202. Since this route does not have any tolls, the total cost of the trip is just the cost of gas, which is approximately $202.

Route 3: The Midwestern Route

The cost of gas for this route would be approximately $173. The tolls on this route can vary, but let's assume they will be around $30. That brings the total cost of the trip to approximately $203.

Our Recommendation

Based on these calculations, the cheapest route is Route 3: The Midwestern Route. However, this route is not as scenic as Route 2 or as fast as Route 1. If you're on a tight budget, Route 3 is a good option. However, if you have a bit more flexibility in your budget, we recommend taking Route 2: The Scenic Route. It may be a longer drive, but the views along the way are stunning and well worth the extra time on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a road trip from Blaine, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida, can vary depending on the route you take and the current gas prices. Based on our calculations, the cheapest route is Route 3: The Midwestern Route, while Route 2: The Scenic Route, is the most expensive due to its additional length. However, we recommend taking Route 2 if you have the budget for it, as it offers stunning views of the countryside along the way. Whichever route you choose, make sure to budget for gas, tolls, and any overnight stops along the way. Happy travels!