The Cost of a Trip Between Bloomington and Oak Park Heights Based on Current Gas Prices

Traveling from Bloomington to Oak Park Heights in Minnesota is a moderately long journey. The distance may vary depending on the route selected, but the average distance is approximately 35 miles. The cost of gas, along with other expenses, can add up to the total cost of the trip. In this article, we will discuss the different possible routes and highlight costs, and recommend the most cost-effective option.

Possible Routes

There are different possible routes one can take when traveling from Bloomington to Oak Park Heights. The three most popular options are:

Option 1: Via US-52 N

This route involves taking US-52 N from Bloomington and then proceeding to Oak Park Heights. It is the most direct route, with an average distance of 31 miles, and takes approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Option 2: Via I-35E N and US-10 W

This route involves taking I-35E N from Bloomington and then proceeding to US-10 W, which ultimately leads to Oak Park Heights. It is slightly longer than option 1, with an average distance of 34 miles, and takes approximately 45 minutes.

Option 3: Via MN-100 N and I-694 E

This route involves taking MN-100 N from Bloomington and then proceeding to I-694 E, which eventually leads to Oak Park Heights. It is the longest of the three options, with an average distance of 38 miles, and takes approximately 50 minutes.

Cost Comparison

The cost of gas is a significant expense when traveling any distance. The cost of gas can vary depending on the route used, fuel efficiency, and gas prices. We took into account the gas prices as of August 2021, which are estimated to be $3.10 per gallon. Based on these prices, we estimated the cost of each option:

Option 1: Via US-52 N

The average distance for option 1 is approximately 31 miles. Based on a mileage of 25 miles per gallon, we estimated the trip would require 1.24 gallons of gas. The estimated cost of gas for this route is $3.10 per gallon x 1.24 gallons = $3.84.

Option 2: Via I-35E N and US-10 W

The average distance for option 2 is approximately 34 miles. Based on a mileage of 23 miles per gallon, we estimated the trip would require 1.48 gallons of gas. The estimated cost of gas for this route is $3.10 per gallon x 1.48 gallons = $4.59.

Option 3: Via MN-100 N and I-694 E

The average distance for option 3 is approximately 38 miles. Based on a mileage of 20 miles per gallon, we estimated the trip would require 1.9 gallons of gas. The estimated cost of gas for this route is $3.10 per gallon x 1.9 gallons = $5.89.

Conclusion

Based on the cost of gas and distance, it is clear that option 1 via US-52 N is the most cost-effective option. Although it is the shortest, it takes approximately 40 minutes, which is not considerably less than the other two options. Option 2 takes about five minutes longer, while option 3 takes an additional 10 minutes. Ultimately, the final decision will depend on factors such as traffic conditions and personal preference. However, based solely on cost-effectiveness, option 1 is the most suitable option.