Atlanta, GA to Saint Paul, MN

State capital to state capital route

21h 18m
Drive Time
1172
Miles
$136
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Atlanta Ga to Saint Paul Mn?

The drive from Atlanta Ga to Saint Paul Mn takes approximately 21h 18m, covering 1172 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $136 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
18h 6m
🔵 Typical
21h 18m
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 53m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance1172 miles
Drive Time21h 18min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$136
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$151-$186

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Atlanta Ga to Saint Paul Mn

For a long drive like Atlanta Ga to Saint Paul Mn, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
21h 18m
~$136 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 51m
~$176–$410 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 21m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
21h 18m
~$136
🚌 Bus
26h 3m
~$94–$211
🚂 Train
21h 19m
~$141–$352

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Atlanta, GA to Saint Paul, MN?
The drive takes approximately 21 hours and 18 minutes covering 1172 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 39 gallons of gas, costing approximately $136 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.