Driving Cost from Brainerd, Minnesota to South Saint Paul, Minnesota

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of a Minnesota Road Trip

With the gas price hikes in the US, the cost of a road trip always comes to mind before packing your bags and heading out. A recent Minnesota travel interest is a journey between Brainerd and South Saint Paul. This is a 138 mile trip that takes around 2 hours to complete. However, with several possible routes to choose from, the cost of traveling between these two destinations can vary significantly. This article will outline the different routes to consider, and their estimated costs.

The Routes

The route taken between Brainerd and South Saint Paul will depend mainly on the traveler's preference, destination, traffic, and toll fees. Here are some of the most commonly used routes:

Route 1: The Scenic Route

Starting from Brainerd, you'll travel through the central region of Minnesota on State Route 371. Through the scenic valleys, golden pastures, and densely forested areas, this 2-hour trip will fascinate and delight nature lovers and bird-watchers alike. Once you reach the Saint Paul area, you can connect to Interstate 494 W for 26 miles before arriving at South Saint Paul. The total distance to be covered using this route is 138 miles.

Route 2: The Highway Route

This is the fastest and most direct route to take. It involves traveling 137 miles from Brainerd on US-10W and US-169S before connecting with the I-494E highway to reach South Saint Paul. This route takes approximately 2 hours to complete and has the added advantage of wide, high-speed roads.

Route 3: The Toll Route

Alternatively, you could take the Toll Route. Travel through Brainerd on MN 210E, then take State Route 65S before connecting with I-35W S. The route features incredible scenery and is relatively new, built-in 2009. The Toll Route traverses through Minnesota's picturesque meadowlands, lakes, and dense forest areas. Take I-494W after reaching Saint Paul until you arrive at the final destination. If you were expecting heavy traffic, Toll Route 3 might be your best option.

The Costs

When it comes to the cost of a road trip, three significant expenses come into play: fuel costs, toll fees, and minor expenses such as food or souvenirs on the road.

For route 1, one is likely to use about five gallons of gas, depending on the consumption rate of the vehicle. At gas stations throughout the central region, gas prices are affordable, averaging between $2.60 to $3 per gallon. That means that with an average US-based car with a fuel capacity of around 14 gallons, it would cost about $15 on gas to complete this trip. While there are no toll booths along this route, there may be incidental expenses, like snacks and drinks.

On the other hand, route 2 takes you through US highways notorious for speeding, which might lead to higher gas consumption, and hence, higher costs. With the cost of gas ranging from $2.60 to $3 per gallon, the total amount spent on fuel on this route will be approximately $25. The advantage of route 2 is that there are no toll fees associated with it.

Route 3 at the Minnesota Toll Road has varying toll fees depending on the number of axles on your vehicle. For cars and trucks with two axles, the fee is $1.25 per location. This adds up to around $5 collected in total. The cost of fuel on Route 3 is also subject to gas prices, averaging between $2.60 and $3 per gallon. Depending on your vehicle, the journey distance, and gas consumption, the total cost of gas on this route will be around $20.

While all the routes between Brainerd and South Saint Paul have their advantages and disadvantages, Route 1 stands out the most. It's the most scenic route and offers the best stops for sightseeing and stretching your legs. Additionally, no toll fees are collected on this route, and the cost of gas is low.

Conclusion

The distance between Brainerd and South Saint Paul spans 138 miles and can be covered using different routes. The cost of a road trip between the two cities has largely been influenced by gas prices and toll fees along the way. While Route 1 is the best recommendation, the choice of a particular route will depend on one's preferences, destination, traffic, and budget. A trip between Brainerd and South Saint Paul will typically take around 2 hours, regardless of the chosen route.