The Cost of a Trip from Bradenton to Longboat Key: How to Plan for Gas Prices

Are you planning a trip from Bradenton, Florida to Longboat Key, Florida? If so, you may be wondering how much it will cost you in gas money. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it can be difficult to determine the true cost of a trip. In this article, we will break down the different possible routes and highlight the cost and distance of each one, with a recommendation for the best route to take.

Possible Routes

There are a few different possible routes to take when driving from Bradenton to Longboat Key.

Route 1: Manatee Avenue

One option is to take Manatee Avenue, also known as State Road 64, which runs east-west and connects the two cities. This route is 10.2 miles long and takes approximately 20 minutes to drive, depending on traffic.

Route 2: Gulf of Mexico Drive

Another option is to take Gulf of Mexico Drive, also known as State Road 789, which runs north-south along Longboat Key. This route is 7.9 miles long and takes approximately 17 minutes to drive, depending on traffic. To take this route, you would need to take a detour from Route 1 onto the Longboat Pass Bridge.

Route 3: Via I-75

A third option is to take I-75, a major highway that runs north-south along the western coast of Florida. You would need to take the University Parkway exit and then travel west on University Parkway until you reach Longboat Key. This route is the longest, at 23.1 miles, and takes approximately 30 minutes to drive, depending on traffic.

Gas Prices

As of September 2021, the average gas price in Bradenton, Florida is $2.97 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. The average price in Longboat Key is slightly higher, at $3.08 per gallon. Keep in mind that gas prices are subject to change, so be sure to check current prices before you travel.

Cost Breakdown

To calculate the cost of a trip, you will need to consider the distance of the route, your vehicle's gas mileage, and the current gas prices. For this example, we will assume that your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon.

Route 1: Manatee Avenue

At a distance of 10.2 miles, Route 1 would require approximately 0.41 gallons of gas. At the average gas price of $2.97 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $1.22.

Route 2: Gulf of Mexico Drive

At a distance of 7.9 miles, Route 2 would require approximately 0.32 gallons of gas. At the average gas price of $3.08 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $0.98.

Route 3: Via I-75

At a distance of 23.1 miles, Route 3 would require approximately 0.92 gallons of gas. At the average gas price of $2.97 per gallon, the cost of gas for this route would be approximately $2.73.

Recommendation

Based on the above calculations, it is clear that Route 2, Gulf of Mexico Drive, is the cheapest option for this trip. It is also a shorter route than Route 3, so you may save time as well as money by taking this route. However, it is important to note that Route 1, Manatee Avenue, may be the best option if you encounter heavy traffic on Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Bradenton to Longboat Key will depend on the route you take and the current gas prices. To save money on your trip, consider taking Route 2, Gulf of Mexico Drive, which is both the shortest and cheapest route. Be sure to check current gas prices before you travel and take note of any traffic patterns that may impact your route. With a little planning, you can enjoy a cost-effective trip from Bradenton to Longboat Key.