The Cost of Driving From Blooming Prairie, MN to Winterset, IA

Looking to plan a road trip from Blooming Prairie, MN to Winterset, IA? Depending on your route, you’ll either spend a lot of time driving or a lot of money on tolls. Let’s take a closer look at the different routes you can take and the cost of each.

Route #1: I-35 South and I-80 West (320 miles)

This is the most direct route, taking you through Des Moines. The distance is approximately 320 miles and it should take roughly 5.5 hours depending on traffic. According to AAA, the current gas price in Minnesota is roughly $2.89/gallon as of August 2021. Since your vehicle will be burning around 28 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend about $93.46 on gasoline alone for this trip (not to mention tolls, food, and lodging).

Now, let’s talk about tolls. The I-35 portion of this trip has no tolls, but once you get on I-80, you’ll be charged for the privilege of driving on the road. The toll for a car is currently $12.20 according to the Iowa DOT. So, if you’re taking this route, be prepared to pay an additional $24.40 in tolls for the round trip.

Route #2: US-52 South and I-80 West (356 miles)

This route is longer but avoids tolls entirely. The distance is approximately 356 miles and it should take roughly 6 hours depending on traffic. Since your vehicle will still be burning around 28 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend about $115.03 on gasoline for this trip.

This route is definitely the better option if you’re looking to save money on tolls. However, keep in mind that you’ll be spending an extra hour in the car each way. Additionally, US-52 isn’t exactly known for being a scenic drive, so you might find yourself getting bored behind the wheel.

Route #3: I-35 South and US-30 West (378 miles)

This is the scenic route, taking you through Cedar Rapids and Ames. The distance is approximately 378 miles and it should take roughly 6.5 hours depending on traffic. Since your vehicle will still be burning around 28 miles per gallon, you can expect to spend about $122.80 on gasoline for this trip.

This route is definitely the longest, but it’s great if you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive and want to take your time exploring small towns along the way. Keep in mind that this route includes no tolls.

Conclusion

So, there you have it - three different routes, each with their own costs in time and money. If you’re looking for the fastest route, take I-35 and I-80, but be prepared to pay for tolls. If you’re looking to save money on tolls and don’t mind spending an extra hour in the car, take US-52 and I-80. And finally, if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive and have plenty of time to spare, take I-35 and US-30.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to pack some snacks and enjoy the ride!