Los Angeles to Minneapolis

via I-10

32h 57min
Drive Time
1977
Miles
$230
Gas Cost
$50
Tolls

How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis?

The drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis takes approximately 32h 57min, covering 1977 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $230 on gas.

Travel time can vary โ€” during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 45โ€“46+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

๐ŸŸข Light traffic
28h
๐Ÿ”ต Typical
32h 57min
๐Ÿ”ด Heavy traffic
47h 47m

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

Trip Details

Distance1977 miles (3181 km)
Drive Time32h 57min
RouteI-10
Best TimeWeekday mid-day

Fuel Costs

Gas (30 mpg)~65.9 gallons
Est. Cost$230

Route Tips: I-10

Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous โ€” bring plenty of water.

You'll likely need 5 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis

For a long drive like Los Angeles 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.

๐ŸŸข Best: Weekday mid-day
๐Ÿ”ด Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

๐Ÿš— Driving
32h 57min
~$230 gas
โœˆ๏ธ Flying
6h 27m
~$297โ€“$692 flight

โœˆ๏ธ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 57m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

๐Ÿš— Drive
32h 57min
~$230
๐ŸšŒ Bus
43h 56m
~$158โ€“$356
๐Ÿš‚ Train
35h 57m
~$237โ€“$593

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:

๐Ÿ“ Breckenridge
๐Ÿ“ Conifer
๐Ÿ“ Morrison

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis?
The drive from Los Angeles to Minneapolis takes approximately 32h 57min covering 1977 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $230 on gas for this 1977-mile trip. You'll need about 65.9 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.

Driving Tips: Los Angeles to Minneapolis

Planning a trip from Los Angeles to Minneapolis? The most common route runs along I-10, covering 1977 miles in about 32h 57min. Gas will set you back roughly $230 for the one-way trip. For the best experience, hit the road during weekday mid-day when traffic is lightest.

Covering 1977 miles, this epic drive takes you across a huge swath of the country. Prepare for varied weather conditions, different speed limits by state, and long stretches between services. A well-planned itinerary makes all the difference. Popular stopping points include Breckenridge, Conifer, Morrison โ€” great options for grabbing a meal, fueling up, or stretching your legs.