The Cost of a Trip Between Cary, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota
With gas prices fluctuating constantly, planning a road trip can be challenging, especially when it comes to calculating expenses. A trip between Cary, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, can be quite long, requires several tanks of gas, and can be costly. In this article, we'll discuss the different possible routes and the costs and distances associated with each one. We'll also recommend the best route and provide a conclusion discussing the overall cost of the trip.
The Possible Routes
There are several routes you can take when driving from Cary, NC, to Minneapolis, MN. The most common routes are:
Route 1: The Direct Route
The direct route is the most straightforward route and mainly takes you on I-77 North, which then becomes I-77/I-64 West, I-70 West, I-465 West, and finally, I-65 North. This route takes you through Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before ending in Minnesota.
Total Distance: approximately 1,082 miles.
Route 2: The Scenic Route
If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take I-81 North to pick up I-64 West and continue onto I-57 North, which will take you through Kentucky and Illinois before ending in Minnesota.
Total Distance: approximately 1,151 miles.
Route 3: The Eastern Route
The Eastern Route takes you through some small towns and cities East of your physical location, through I-95 North, which then becomes I-26 West, I-77 North, I-64 West, and finally, I-57 North. This route will take you through Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before ending in Minnesota.
Total Distance: approximately 1,208 miles.
The Cost and Distance Analysis
The cost and distance for each route will depend on several factors, including gas prices, your vehicle's MPG, and the distance you plan to travel.
Route 1: The Direct Route
For this analysis, we've used the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator. According to the calculator, if you're driving a midsize sedan, you can expect to pay approximately $134.51 for gas, with an average MPG of 29.45.
Total Cost: $134.51
Total Distance: 1,082 miles
Route 2: The Scenic Route
For this route, we used the same calculator as above. According to the calculator, if you're driving a midsize sedan, you can expect to pay approximately $142.27 for gas, with an average mpg of 29.45.
Total Cost: $142.27
Total Distance: approximately 1,151 miles
Route 3: The Eastern Route
For this route, using the same calculator above can expext to pay approximately $155.65 in gas at an average mpg of 29.45.
Total Cost: $155.65
Total Distance: Approximately 1,208 miles
Best Route
From the cost and distance analysis above, it's clear that the direct route is the most cost-effective and efficient way to get from Cary, North Carolina, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although the scenic route may seem tempting, it is approximately 70 miles longer and will cost you more in gas.
Conclusion
When planning a road trip between Cary, North Carolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, careful consideration needs to be given to the route you're taking to avoid unwanted expenses. The direct route is the best option, costing approximately $134.51 for gas and covering a distance of 1,082 miles. Whether you're traveling alone or with friends and family, it's always best to plan your road trip costs beforehand. Happy travels!