How Long Is the Drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis?
The drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis takes approximately 19h 40min, covering 1180 miles via I-85. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $137 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 27–28+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
16h 43m
🔵 Typical
19h 40min
🔴 Heavy traffic
28h 31m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1180 miles (1899 km)
Drive Time19h 40min
RouteI-85
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~39.3 gallons
Est. Cost$137
Route Tips: I-85
Connects the Southeast. Heavy traffic around Atlanta is common during rush hours.
You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Atlanta to Minneapolis, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
19h 40min
~$137 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 52m
~$177–$413 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 22m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
19h 40min
~$137
🚌 Bus
26h 13m
~$94–$212
🚂 Train
21h 27m
~$142–$354
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 St Louis
📍 Indianapolis
📍 Joliet
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis?
The drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis takes approximately 19h 40min covering 1180 miles via I-85. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Atlanta to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $137 on gas for this 1180-mile trip. You'll need about 39.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Atlanta to Minneapolis?
Weekday mid-day to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Atlanta to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $35 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
