The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington and Hugo: Navigating Gas Prices

When planning a trip between Bloomington and Hugo, Minnesota, one of the considerations on your mind is likely the cost of gas. Understanding the route options and current gas prices can help you budget and plan accordingly. This article will break down the different possible routes, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and make a recommendation for the best route based on the current gas prices.

Route Options

The two most common routes when traveling between Bloomington and Hugo are via I-35E North or via MN-280 North. Depending on your specific starting and ending points within these cities, other roads may be needed to connect to these main routes.

I-35E North

This route begins in Bloomington and takes you straight north on I-35E for 20 miles until you reach Hugo. Along the way, you'll pass through several suburbs and eventually merge onto MN-36 East and continue until you reach your destination.

MN-280 North

An alternative route involves beginning your journey in Bloomington and heading northeast on I-494 until you arrive at MN-280. Take MN-280 north for approximately 13 miles until you reach MN-96 East and continue eastbound until you make it to Hugo.

Cost and Distance

To determine the most cost-efficient route, we'll need to consider both gas prices and distance. As of August 2021, the average gas price in Minnesota is $2.96 per gallon. However, gas prices can vary significantly from station to station, and it's essential to find and compare gas prices en route.

I-35E North

This route is the most straightforward path and covers a distance of approximately 28.6 miles. With an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you would need a little over a gallon of gas to complete the trip. Based on the current gas price of $2.96 per gallon, you can expect to spend approximately $3.50 on gas for this journey.

MN-280 North

Taking this route is slightly longer, covering a total of approximately 25.3 miles. With the same fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon, you'll need about one gallon of gas to complete the journey. At the current gas price of $2.96 per gallon, you can expect to spend roughly $3.00 on gas for this route.

Recommendation

Based on fuel cost and distance, the more cost-effective and practical route between Bloomington and Hugo is via MN-280 North. Not only is this route about three miles shorter, but it also offers similar fuel costings and avoids the heavier traffic on I-35E during peak hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking into account gas prices and distance, the most cost-effective route from Bloomington to Hugo is via MN-280 North. With this route, we can expect to travel approximately 25.3 miles and spend around $3.00 on gas. However, it's essential to keep in mind that gas prices can fluctuate from day to day, and it's always wise to find the best prices along the route for better fuel savings. By taking the time to plan your route and consider fuel costs, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about breaking the bank.