Driving Cost from Bloomington, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Road Trip from Bloomington, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana

Driving from Bloomington, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, is a long journey that requires careful planning and budgeting. Gas prices fluctuate from state to state and from season to season. Therefore, it's essential to create a realistic estimate of the trip's cost and to choose the most cost-effective route. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes between these two cities, their costs, and other expenses that should be taken into account.

Possible Routes

There are several possible routes to choose from when driving between Bloomington, Minnesota, and New Orleans, Louisiana, but the following three are among the most common:

Route 1: The Fastest Route

The fastest route between these two cities involves taking I-35 South for approximately 900 miles until reaching Kansas City, Missouri. Then, switch to I-49 South, which takes you through Joplin, Springfield, and Fort Smith, before finally becoming I-20 to Shreveport, Louisiana. From there, take I-49 South to Lafayette and eventually arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana. This route is approximately 1,200 miles long, and it takes around 18 hours to drive without considering breaks.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

The scenic route between these two cities involves taking I-35 South for approximately 900 miles until reaching Kansas City, Missouri. Then, switch to I-44 East, which takes you through Missouri's Ozark Mountains and down to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Once you get to Tulsa, take US-69 South, which eventually becomes US-75. From there, take US-69 South again to Paris, Texas, and then I-20 East to Shreveport, Louisiana. Finally, take I-49 South to Lafayette and eventually arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana. This route is approximately 1,450 miles long and takes around 23 hours to drive without considering breaks.

Route 3: The Budget Route

The budget route between these two cities involves taking I-35 South for approximately 900 miles until reaching Kansas City, Missouri. Then, switch to US-71 South to Joplin, Missouri, and then take US-69 South to Muskogee, Oklahoma. From there, take US-62 East to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and then take US-71 South to Texarkana, Texas. Then, continue on US-59 South to Shreveport, Louisiana, and then take I-49 South to Lafayette and eventually arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana. This route is approximately 1,265 miles long and takes around 20 hours to drive without considering breaks.

Costs of the Road Trip

After deciding on the best route, it's essential to estimate the trip's costs. Gas prices differ by state and region. Hence it's vital to use an online trip calculator, like AAA's TripTik, to calculate the estimated cost of gas and other essential expenses. In general, the main expenses to consider when planning a road trip are gas, meals, accommodations, and attractions.

Gas

Assuming that the car gets 25 miles per gallon, the total amount of gas consumed varies based on the length of the route. Using a national average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, the total gas cost for each route is as follows:

  • Route 1: The Fastest Route – approximately $210
  • Route 2: The Scenic Route – approximately $265
  • Route 3: The Budget Route – approximately $235

Bear in mind that gas prices fluctuate depending on the region, so it's best to check the current prices before starting the trip.

Meals

Another significant expense to consider when planning a road trip is food. Assuming that each person will eat three meals per day and that each meal will cost $10 on average, the total food cost for the trip will be $150 per person.

Accommodations

Accommodations can be a significant expense when driving long distances. If you're planning on staying in hotels along the way, budget for an average of $100 per night. For a one-way trip, this means an estimated accommodation cost of:

  • Route 1: The Fastest Route – approximately $500
  • Route 2: The Scenic Route – approximately $600
  • Route 3: The Budget Route – approximately $400

Attractions

There are several attractions to visit along each route. From Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, to the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. Budget around $50-$100 per person for activities and souvenirs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving from Bloomington, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana, is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning and budgeting. Choosing the right route based on the criteria, including cost, time, and scenic opportunities, impacts the overall cost of the trip. The fastest route is the most expensive option, while the budget route saves a few extra bucks. Regardless of which route you choose, remember to budget for gas, food, accommodations, and attractions. The trip will take around 18-23 hours depending on the route, so plan accordingly. Stay safe and buckle up for the journey ahead!