The Cost of a Trip Between Blaine, Minnesota and Phoenix, Arizona with Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Blaine, Minnesota to Phoenix, Arizona is a trip of approximately 1,500 miles. Planning a road trip can be exciting, but it can also be stressful when trying to determine the cost of the trip. In this article, we will look at the different possible routes with their distance and associated costs based on current gas prices.

Route 1: Via I-35W S and I-40 W

This route takes drivers through the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. The approximate distance is 1,540 miles and the estimated time of arrival in Phoenix is 22 hours and 40 minutes.

Using the current gas prices as of September 2021, the cost of this trip for a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon (mpg) would be $191.50. This estimate takes the use of a fuel cost calculator, which uses up-to-date gas prices and fuel economy information to accurately estimate fuel costs for road trips.

Route 2: Via I-29 S and I-40 W

This route goes through the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The approximate distance is 1,700 miles, and the estimated time of arrival in Phoenix is 25 hours.

Based on the current gas prices, the cost of this trip for a vehicle that gets 25 mpg would be $214.06.

Route 3: Via I-94 W and I-90 W

This route takes drivers through the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. The approximate distance is 1,800 miles, and the estimated time of arrival in Phoenix is 27 hours and 20 minutes.

Using the current gas prices, the cost of this trip for a vehicle that gets 25 mpg would be $224.56.

Route 4: Via I-90 W and I-25 S

This route goes through the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The approximate distance is 1,700 miles, and the estimated time of arrival in Phoenix is 25 hours and 30 minutes.

Based on the current gas prices, the cost of this trip for a vehicle that gets 25 mpg would be $214.06.

Route Recommendation

The most efficient and cost-effective route to take from Blaine, Minnesota to Phoenix, Arizona would be Route 1, via I-35W S and I-40 W. This route has the shortest distance, making it the most fuel-efficient option, and the estimated time of arrival is relatively quick at 22 hours and 40 minutes.

Although Route 2 comes in a close second place, the extra time it takes to arrive in Phoenix may not be worth the extra costs, compared to Route 1.

Routes 3 and 4 are less recommended because they involve longer distances, and more time on the road means more fuel costs. It's also important to note that these routes have varying terrain and weather conditions that may require more preparation and maintenance on the vehicle.

Conclusion

Traveling from Blaine, Minnesota to Phoenix, Arizona may seem like a long and expensive trip, but proper planning and smart route choices can make it more affordable and enjoyable. With current gas prices in mind, taking Route 1, via I-35W S and I-40 W, is the recommended option, as it is the shortest distance and has the lowest fuel costs. The approximate time of arrival is 22 hours and 40 minutes, making it an efficient and time-saving alternative.