The Cost of Driving From Brainerd, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Driving can be a fun way to explore new places, but it can also be expensive. If you're planning a road trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, it's important to consider the cost of gas, tolls, and any other expenses that may come up. In this blog post, we'll break down the different routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes to get there, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Route #1: The Most Direct Route

The most direct route from Brainerd, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota is via I-94 W and I-29 S. It's a distance of 279 miles and takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Cost Breakdown:

Assuming gas costs $2.50 per gallon, you'll need to budget around $41.34 for gas. There are no tolls along this route, so you can avoid that extra expense.

Route #2: The Scenic Route

If you're up for a more scenic drive, you can take MN-210 W and MN-371 S to I-90 W in Ellendale, then take exit 260 from I-90 W to Sioux Falls. This route extends the drive to 310 miles and takes approximately 5 hours.

Cost Breakdown:

Assuming gas costs $2.50 per gallon, you'll need to budget around $48.13 for gas. There are no tolls along the route, so you can avoid that extra expense.

Route #3: The Budget Route

For the frugal adventurer, there's a route that will cost less in gas than the other two options. Head west on MN-210 until you reach Brainerd International Raceway. Then follow the road to the right (County Road 77), then left (County Road 14), and left again onto US-10 W. Continue on US-10 W for about 35 miles until you reach Motley, MN. Take a left on MN-64 S and follow it all the way to Onamia where you'll merge onto US-169 S. You'll follow US-169 S until you reach County Road 15 (near Garrison), then turn right onto County Road 15. Follow it all the way down to Mankato, MN where you'll get on US-14 W, which will take you all the way to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This route is a distance of 423 miles and takes approximately 7 hours.

Cost Breakdown:

Assuming gas costs $2.50 per gallon, you'll need to budget around $66.13 for gas. There are no tolls along this route, so you can avoid that extra expense.

Conclusion

No matter which route you take from Brainerd, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery and interesting sights. However, it's important to be aware of the cost and time involved with each route to help plan your trip accordingly. Safe travels!