The Cost of a Trip: Central City, NE to Brookings, SD
Are you planning a trip between Central City, Nebraska and Brookings, South Dakota? If so, you'll need to consider the cost of the journey. There are various routes you can take, each with its own price tag. In this article, we'll look at the options, highlight the cost and distance of each one, and recommend the best route for your budget.
Possible Routes
Route 1: Via Norfolk, NE
The first option is to travel north on US-81 to Norfolk, then head west on US-275. This route covers approximately 250 miles and takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes. It's a direct route, with no major detours.
Route 2: Via Sioux Falls, SD
The second option is to head straight north to Sioux Falls, then take I-29 south to Brookings. This route covers approximately 280 miles and takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes. The downside of this route is that you need to cross state lines, which could increase your travel time.
Route 3: Via Lincoln, NE
The third option is to take a southerly route, through Lincoln, Nebraska. This route covers approximately 330 miles and takes around 5 hours and 45 minutes. It might be a longer journey, but Lincoln is a stunning city and could be worth an additional stopover.
Cost of the Trip
When it comes to calculating the cost of your trip, you need to factor in various expenses. These include gas, toll fees, and potential accommodation along the way.
Gas Cost
Let's start with the gas cost. Assuming your vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, and gas is, on average, $2.45 per gallon, you can expect to pay:
- $25 for Route 1
- $29 for Route 2
- $34 for Route 3
Toll Fees
There are no toll fees on any of the routes, so you can deduct that from your total cost.
Accommodation
If you need to break up your journey with an overnight stay, you'll need to factor in accommodation costs. For example, staying in Norfolk, Nebraska or Sioux Falls, South Dakota could cost around $60 to $100 per night, depending on your choice of hotel. If you're traveling on a budget, you could consider camping or staying in an Airbnb property.
Best Route
So, which route is the best for your budget? After considering the cost and mileage, we believe that Route 1 is the most cost-effective option. Not only is it the shortest route, but the gas cost is also the lowest, with no toll fees to pay. The only downside is that it's a straight route, with fewer options for detours or stopovers. If you do want to make any pit stops, we recommend Route 3 through Lincoln, Nebraska. It might be a slightly longer journey, but it's an excellent opportunity to explore a beautiful city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of your trip from Central City, Nebraska to Brookings, South Dakota will depend on the route you choose. While there are several options available, we believe Route 1 is the most cost-effective, thanks to its lower gas costs and no toll fees. If you can afford to take a detour, then Route 3 through Lincoln, Nebraska is an excellent option. It could take a little longer, but it's worth it to see the city's stunning architecture and enjoy nearby attractions. Regardless of which route you choose, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip!