Driving Cost from Bloomington, Minnesota to Loveland, Colorado

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Bloomington, Minnesota to Loveland, Colorado Road Trip

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Minnesota to Loveland, Colorado, and wondering how much it will cost? With varying fuel prices and several route options, calculating the total cost of this trip can be a daunting task. However, with some research and critical consideration, you can make a more informed decision on the best route to take, the expected expenses, and how to save money without sacrificing fun.

Route Options

The distance between Bloomington and Loveland is approximately 1000 miles. There are several routes to Loveland, each with unique features, attractions, and costs. Some of the most frequented routes include:

Route 1: I-35 South and I-76 West

This route is the shortest and most direct between Bloomington to Loveland, with a distance of approximately 970 miles. It starts in Bloomington, MN, and follows I-35 South through Iowa and Missouri before connecting to I-76 West in Kansas. The route then runs into Denver, Colorado, and heads north on I-25 to Loveland.

Route 2: US-14 West and I-25 South

This route is an alternative to Route 1. It takes a more scenic path through South Dakota and Wyoming, covering approximately 1010 miles. It starts in Rochester, Minnesota, and heads west on US-14 past The Badlands and the Black Hills in South Dakota and running through Casper, Wyoming. It then ends in Loveland, Colorado, by taking I-25 South.

Route 3: I-94 West and I-25 South

This route covers approximately 1070 miles, and it follows I-94 West from Bloomington to Billings, Montana, before cutting south on I-25 to Loveland, Colorado. Though it is the longest route, it offers picturesque views of the mountains and prairies that make for a fun, scenic drive.

Cost Considerations

Fuel and food costs typically are the most significant expenses on road trips. To estimate the total cost of the trip, we will consider gas prices, car type, and miles per gallon efficiency.

Gas Prices

Gas prices can vary from state to state and even within regions. At the time of writing this article, the average gas price is $3.06 per gallon in Bloomington and $3.53 per gallon in Loveland, according to AAA.

Car Type and Gas Mileage

The type of car you use for the trip determines how much you spend on gas. An SUV or truck, for instance, tends to consume more gas than a sedan or compact car. Gas mileage efficiency (MPG) also matters. For example, a car that gets 25 miles per gallon will consume less gas than a car that gets 15 miles per gallon on the same trip.

To estimate how much you will spend on gas for this trip, the following calculations will help:

  • Route 1 (970 miles) Assuming the car gets 25 miles per gallon and the average gas price is $3.06 per gallon:

Total gallons consumed = 970 miles / 25 MPG = 38.8 gallons Total gas cost = 38.8 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $118.73

  • Route 2 (1010 miles) Assuming the car gets 25 miles per gallon and the average gas price is $3.06 per gallon:

Total gallons consumed = 1010 miles / 25 MPG = 40.4 gallons Total gas cost = 40.4 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $123.68

  • Route 3 (1070 miles) Assuming the car gets 25 miles per gallon and the average gas price is $3.06 per gallon:

Total gallons consumed = 1070 miles / 25 MPG = 42.8 gallons Total gas cost = 42.8 gallons x $3.06 per gallon = $130.96

Food and Accommodation

Food and accommodation costs depend on your travel style. If you prefer luxury travel with high-end accommodations, the cost will be higher than when you opt for budget-friendly food and hotels.

For budget-conscious travelers, an average meal in Bloomington costs $14 per meal, according to numbeo.com. In Loveland, the cost is $15 per meal. Assuming you take three meals per day on the trip, this will add up to $129 total meal costs for both ways.

If you are looking for accommodations, you can use sites like Booking.com to search for affordable options. According to the site, the average price for a three-star hotel in Bloomington is $105 per night, while in Loveland, it is $127 per night. You can reduce accommodation costs by staying in campsites or Airbnb rentals.

Best Route Recommendation

After considering the costs and distance, Route 1 is the best route recommendation. It is the shortest and most direct route, offering the most significant savings on gas and time. It also provides several options for rest stops, gas stations, and hotels along the way.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip from Bloomington to Loveland requires careful planning and early preparation. The cost of the trip primarily depends on several factors such as gas prices, car type and mileage, accommodation, and food expenses. Based on the overall cost and distance of the route options, Route 1 is the best option. However, the type of car you use, your choice of accommodation and food, and what you plan to do along the way will ultimately determine the overall cost of the trip. With proper planning, you can enjoy the beautiful journey through the mid-west and the mountains without breaking the bank.