How Long Is the Drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas?
The drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas takes approximately 28h, covering 1681 miles via I-94. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $196 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during rush hour or bad weather, the journey may take 39–40+ hours. For the fastest trip, avoid peak commute hours.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
23h 48m
🔵 Typical
28h
🔴 Heavy traffic
40h 36m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1681 miles (2705 km)
Drive Time28h
RouteI-94
Best TimeWeekday mid-day
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~56.0 gallons
Est. Cost$196
Route Tips: I-94
Connects the Great Lakes region. Winter driving can be hazardous — check weather conditions before traveling.
You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas
For a long drive like Minneapolis to Las Vegas, 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
28h
~$196 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 52m
~$252–$588 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 22m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
28h
~$196
🚌 Bus
37h 21m
~$134–$303
🚂 Train
30h 34m
~$202–$504
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:
📍 Greeley
📍 Fort Collins
📍 Loveland
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas?
The drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas takes approximately 28h covering 1681 miles via I-94. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Minneapolis to Las Vegas?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $196 on gas for this 1681-mile trip. You'll need about 56.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Minneapolis to Las Vegas?
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 Las Vegas route?
Yes, expect approximately $50 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
