The Cost of a Trip between Bloomington, Minnesota and Durham, North Carolina

Traveling from Bloomington, Minnesota to Durham, North Carolina is a journey of over 1,000 miles. Whether you are going there for a work assignment, family holiday, or just an adventure, the distance and the costs involved can be overwhelming. This article discusses the different possible routes from Bloomington to Durham, the estimated total cost of each route, and recommends the best route to save you money while still experiencing the beauty of the road.

Possible Routes

There are multiple routes to take from Bloomington to Durham, each with varying distances and considerations. Below are some possible routes.

Route 1: Bloomington to Durham via I-35 S and I-40 E

This route involves taking the I-35 S and I-40 E interstate highways that connect the two destinations. The total driving distance is around 1,110 miles and it takes approximately 17 hours non-stop. This route passes through the states of Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and finally, North Carolina.

Route 2: Bloomington to Durham via I-94 E and I-75 S

This route involves taking the I-94 E and I-75 S interstate highways that run through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Then, take I-40 E from Tennessee to North Carolina. The total driving distance for this route is around 1,130 miles and it takes approximately 18 hours non-stop.

Route 3: Bloomington to Durham via I-35 S, I-20 E and I-77 S

This route involves taking the I-35 S interstate highway through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Then take I-20 E from Texas to Atlanta, Georgia. Finally, take I-77 from Atlanta to Durham. The total driving distance for this route is around 1,250 miles and it takes approximately 19 hours non-stop.

Estimated Costs

The cost of the trip comes from several factors, including gas prices, tolls, and food expenses. The average gas price in the United States varies depending on your location and the time of year. According to GasBuddy, as of July 2021, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is around $3.13. Using that price as a base, we can make an estimate of the total cost of the trip.

Route 1: Bloomington to Durham via I-35 S and I-40 E

The estimated cost for this route will depend on the fuel efficiency of your car and the gas prices in the states you pass through. If you have a car that gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need to fill up around 37 gallons of gas. Multiply that by the average price of $3.13 per gallon, and you will end up spending around $116. Although, there may be some tolls you’ll have to pay along the way, primarily in Chicago and the Eastern portion of the journey, which can add up. Additionally, there will likely be food expenses - it's worth budgeting $10 per meal for estimating lunch and dinner costs.

Route 2: Bloomington to Durham via I-94 E and I-75 S

This route has a total estimated cost of around $117 for gas alone, assuming the same vehicle efficiency used above. There will be tolls to pay too as you pass through Ohio and Pennsylvania, where tolls can add up. Assume around $20 total in tolls. Once again, expect food expenses, where each meal can cost a minimum of $10 to cover for lunch and dinner.

Route 3: Bloomington to Durham via I-35 S, I-20 E, and I-77 S

The total estimated cost of this route is around $130 for gas, assuming the same 30-miles-per-gallon efficiency. You will also encounter toll roads in the Eastern part of the journey and slight toll roads while passing through Kentucky. Budget around $25 for toll expenses. Again, meals at $10 per meal can be budgeted.

Best Route

Considering the distance, the total cost of each route is relatively close. However, it is important to remember that the quality of the road, the number of tolls, and food expenses, as well as personal preference, can ultimately guide the best route. Based on a balance of those factors, we recommend Route 1: Bloomington to Durham Via I-35 S and I-40 E. This route is the shorter of the three, ensuring that you get to your destination a bit quicker while also reducing the likelihood of additional tolls and other expenses.

Conclusion

Above all, safety is paramount when traveling. Allow time to take breaks and stretch your legs along the way, and keep an eye on local weather and road conditions. Our recommendation of Route 1: Bloomington to Durham Via I-35 S and I-40 E will get you there in 17 hours non-stop and can save you some money while you experience the beauty of the road. When planning your trip, take into consideration the estimated gas costs, toll expenses, food expenses, and other factors unique to your trip. By doing so, you can take the route that works best for you and have an enjoyable, hassle-free journey ahead.