The Cost of a Road Trip from Blue Earth, Minnesota to Williamsburg, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Blue Earth, Minnesota to Williamsburg, Virginia? If so, you may be wondering how much this journey will cost you. In this article, we will break down the different routes you can take, estimate the cost of gas and tolls, and recommend the best option based on distance and cost.

Route Options

There are a few different routes you can take when traveling from Blue Earth to Williamsburg. The most direct and commonly used route is to head east on I-90 and then south on I-77. Another option is to head south on I-35 and then take I-64 through Kentucky and West Virginia. Let's take a closer look at each option.

Route 1: I-90 East and I-77 South

This is the most direct route from Blue Earth to Williamsburg. To get started, you would take I-90 East until you reach Cleveland, Ohio. From there, you would switch to I-77 South and continue until you reach your destination.

Total distance: 1031 miles

Route 2: I-35 South and I-64 East

The second option is to head south on I-35 until you reach Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From there, you would switch to I-44 East and drive through Missouri and Illinois before switching to I-64 East in Kentucky. This route takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and is more scenic but may be longer in distance.

Total distance: 1134 miles

Estimated Costs

Now that we know the different routes you can take, let's estimate the costs associated with each one. Keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate, so these costs are based on the average price of $2.70 per gallon as of June 2021.

Route 1: I-90 East and I-77 South

Based on the distance and the average fuel efficiency of a car on highways, this route will require approximately 40 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. At $2.70 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas alone will be $108.

Additionally, there are a few tolls you will encounter on this route. The Indiana Toll Road, for example, charges $9.70 for passenger cars for the entire length of the toll road. If you encounter other toll roads, you should expect to pay an additional fee.

Route 2: I-35 South and I-64 East

Based on the longer distance and potential mountainous terrain, this route will require approximately 44 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. At $2.70 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas only will be $118.80.

Additionally, you will encounter several tolls on this route. For example, the Kansas Turnpike charges $13.10 for passenger cars to travel through the entire state. You may also encounter tolls in Illinois and West Virginia.

Recommended Route

After considering the distance, gas costs, and tolls, we recommend taking Route 1: I-90 East and I-77 South. Although there are a few tolls to factor in, it is the shorter route and therefore requires less gas. Overall, Route 1 is the most economical choice.

Conclusion

Traveling from Blue Earth, Minnesota to Williamsburg, Virginia is a long journey, but it can be a great experience. By taking Route 1: I-90 East and I-77 South, you can expect to pay an estimated $108 for gas and a few tolls along the way. This route is a total of 1031 miles and can take approximately 15 to 16 hours of driving time, depending on traffic and driving speed.

Regardless of the route, it is important to stop and take breaks along the way to prevent fatigue and stay alert. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make the most of your journey and enjoy all that the road has to offer.