Minneapolis to Boulder

16h 32m
Drive Time
910
Miles
$106
Gas Cost
7
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Minneapolis to Boulder?

The drive from Minneapolis to Boulder takes approximately 16h 32m, covering 910 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $106 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 22–23+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
14h 3m
🔵 Typical
16h 32m
🔴 Heavy traffic
23h 58m

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

Route Details

Distance910 mi
Drive Time16h 32min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$106
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$121-$156

Route Tips: I-90

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Minneapolis to Boulder

For a long drive like Minneapolis to Boulder, 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: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
16h 32m
~$106 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 19m
~$136–$318 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 49m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
16h 32m
~$106
🚌 Bus
20h 13m
~$73–$164
🚂 Train
16h 33m
~$109–$273

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:

📍 Sioux Falls
📍 Badlands
📍 Omaha

FAQ

How long is the drive from Minneapolis to Boulder?
The drive takes approximately 16 hours and 32 minutes covering 910 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 30 gallons of gas, costing approximately $106 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.