How Long Is the Drive from Minneapolis to Detroit?
The drive from Minneapolis to Detroit takes approximately 10h 0min, covering 690 miles via I-94. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $80 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 14–15+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
8h 30m
🔵 Typical
10h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
14h 30m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance690 miles (1110 km)
Drive Time10h 0min
RouteI-94
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~23.0 gallons
Est. Cost$80
Route Tips: I-94
Connects the Great Lakes region. Winter driving can be hazardous — check weather conditions before traveling.
You'll likely need 1 fuel stop along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Minneapolis to Detroit
For a long drive like Minneapolis to Detroit, 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:Weekday mid-day
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
10h 0min
~$80 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 53m
~$104–$241 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~1h 23m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
10h 0min
~$80
🚌 Bus
15h 20m
~$55–$124
🚂 Train
12h 33m
~$83–$207
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:
📍 Milwaukee
📍 Green Bay
📍 Madison
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Detroit?
The drive from Minneapolis to Detroit takes approximately 10h 0min covering 690 miles via I-94. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Minneapolis to Detroit?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $80 on gas for this 690-mile trip. You'll need about 23.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Minneapolis to Detroit?
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 Minneapolis to Detroit route?
Yes, expect approximately $20 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
