How Long Is the Drive from Minneapolis to Houston?
The drive from Minneapolis to Houston takes approximately 22h 55min, covering 1375 miles via I-94. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $160 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 29m
🔵 Typical
22h 55min
🔴 Heavy traffic
33h 14m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1375 miles (2212 km)
Drive Time22h 55min
RouteI-94
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~45.8 gallons
Est. Cost$160
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 Houston
For a long drive like Minneapolis to Houston, 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:Mid-morning (9-11 AM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
22h 55min
~$160 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 15m
~$206–$481 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 45m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
22h 55min
~$160
🚌 Bus
30h 33m
~$110–$248
🚂 Train
25h 0m
~$165–$412
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
📍 Tulsa
📍 Wichita
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Houston?
The drive from Minneapolis to Houston takes approximately 22h 55min covering 1375 miles via I-94. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Minneapolis to Houston?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $160 on gas for this 1375-mile trip. You'll need about 45.8 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Minneapolis to Houston?
Mid-morning (9-11 AM) 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 Houston route?
Yes, expect approximately $41 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
