The drive from Minneapolis to Austin takes approximately 22h 37min, covering 1358 miles via I-94. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $158 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 31–32+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
19h 13m
🔵 Typical
22h 37min
🔴 Heavy traffic
32h 48m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1358 miles (2185 km)
Drive Time22h 37min
RouteI-94
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~45.3 gallons
Est. Cost$158
Route Tips: I-94
Connects the Great Lakes region. Winter driving can be hazardous — check weather conditions before traveling.
You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Minneapolis to Austin
For a long drive like Minneapolis to Austin, 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
22h 37min
~$158 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 13m
~$204–$475 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 43m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
22h 37min
~$158
🚌 Bus
30h 11m
~$109–$244
🚂 Train
24h 41m
~$163–$407
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:
📍 Wichita
📍 Tulsa
📍 Kansas City
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Austin?
The drive from Minneapolis to Austin takes approximately 22h 37min covering 1358 miles via I-94. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Minneapolis to Austin?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $158 on gas for this 1358-mile trip. You'll need about 45.3 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Minneapolis to Austin?
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 Minneapolis to Austin route?
Yes, expect approximately $40 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
