Takes2,
Without going into details – As per the Gemorah in Pesachim 46a and in Shu”A you only need to go back a “MIL” which is 2000 Amos, figure out the time it takes to walk 2000 amos. Hence, that is the time you are required to invest as per halacha to participate davening with a minyan.
Making a stop is much more time that.
However, in any case, there is surely an inyan and one should try even on the cost of money if one can afford it. It is no diff than spending more on a esrog or buying a fancy leichter for shabbos etc.