How Long Is the Drive from Chicago to Minneapolis?
The drive from Chicago to Minneapolis takes approximately 6h 0min, covering 410 miles via I-90. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $47 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 8–9+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
5h 6m
🔵 Typical
6h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
8h 42m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance410 miles (659 km)
Drive Time6h 0min
RouteI-90
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~13.7 gallons
Est. Cost$47
Route Tips: I-90
The longest Interstate, coast to coast. Tolls in several states (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois).
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from Chicago to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Chicago 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
6h 0min
~$47 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 19m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~49 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
6h 0min
~$47
🚌 Bus
9h 7m
~$33–$74
🚂 Train
7h 27m
~$49–$123
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:
📍 Wisconsin Dells
📍 Madison
📍 Lake Geneva
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Chicago to Minneapolis?
The drive from Chicago to Minneapolis takes approximately 6h 0min covering 410 miles via I-90. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Chicago to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $47 on gas for this 410-mile trip. You'll need about 13.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Chicago to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $12 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
