The Cost of a Trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Kirkwood, Missouri

For people planning a trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Kirkwood, Missouri, there are a few different route options to consider. The cost of the trip can vary depending on the route, mode of transportation, and current gas prices. In this article, we will explore the different route options and determine the most cost-effective and practical route for travelers.

Route Options

Option 1: I-94 and I-55

The most direct route from Brainerd to Kirkwood is to take Interstate 94 East to Interstate 55 South. This route is approximately 618 miles and would take around 10 hours and 30 minutes without stops. The cost of gas will depend on the current gas prices. If we assume an average of $2.60 per gallon and that a car gets 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas on this route will be around $130.

Option 2: I-35 and I-44

Another option is to take Interstate 35 South through Des Moines, Iowa, and then hop onto Interstate 44 East in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This route is around 970 miles and would take around 15 hours without stops. Since this route is longer, the cost of gas would increase. Assuming $2.60 per gallon and 25 miles per gallon, the total cost of gas on this route will be around $194.

Option 3: Amtrak Train

The most expensive option and only available mode of transportation that does not involve driving is to take an Amtrak train from Brainerd to Kirkwood. This would involve taking the Empire Builder train from Brainerd down to Chicago, and then taking the Missouri River Runner train from Chicago to Kirkwood. The cost of this ticket can vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance tickets are purchased. Typically, a one-way ticket will cost around $130.

The Best Route

Based on both cost and practicality, the best route to take for a road trip from Brainerd to Kirkwood is option 1, taking Interstate 94 East to Interstate 55 South. This route is the most direct and has the lowest gas cost at $130. The other route options incur significantly higher gas costs or transportation fees.

While the Amtrak train may be a viable option for those who may want to avoid driving or have other reasons for not driving, it is not practical for most travelers due to the cost and time involved. The additional time and cost of taking I-35 and I-44 will not be worth it for most people since it only provides a marginal decrease in driving time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the most cost-effective and practical route for a trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Kirkwood, Missouri is to take Interstate 94 East to Interstate 55 South. This is the most direct route and has the lowest gas cost at $130. Taking other routes or modes of transportation will either cost significantly more or take significantly longer, making them less desirable options for most travelers. If travelers plan the trip well by taking into account traffic and allowing for rest stops, they should be able to complete this road trip with ease in around 10.5 hours.