The drive from Dallas to Minneapolis takes approximately 15h 0min, covering 970 miles via I-35. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $113 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 21–22+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
12h 45m
🔵 Typical
15h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
21h 45m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance970 miles (1561 km)
Drive Time15h 0min
RouteI-35
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~32.3 gallons
Est. Cost$113
Route Tips: I-35
Runs through the heartland from Texas to Minnesota. Watch for construction zones in urban areas.
You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Dallas to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Dallas 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:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
15h 0min
~$113 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 26m
~$146–$340 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 56m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
15h 0min
~$113
🚌 Bus
21h 33m
~$78–$175
🚂 Train
17h 38m
~$116–$291
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:
📍 Kansas City
📍 Wichita
📍 Omaha
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Dallas to Minneapolis?
The drive from Dallas to Minneapolis takes approximately 15h 0min covering 970 miles via I-35. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Dallas to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $113 on gas for this 970-mile trip. You'll need about 32.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Dallas to Minneapolis?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Dallas to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $29 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
