How Long Is the Drive from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City?
The drive from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City takes approximately 21h 19min, covering 1280 miles via I-94. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $149 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 29–30+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
18h 7m
🔵 Typical
21h 19min
🔴 Heavy traffic
30h 55m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1280 miles (2059 km)
Drive Time21h 19min
RouteI-94
Best TimeEarly morning (6-8 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~42.7 gallons
Est. Cost$149
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 Salt Lake City
For a long drive like Minneapolis to Salt Lake City, 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
21h 19min
~$149 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 4m
~$192–$448 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 34m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
21h 19min
~$149
🚌 Bus
28h 27m
~$102–$230
🚂 Train
23h 16m
~$154–$384
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:
📍 Badlands
📍 Mount Rushmore
📍 Rapid City
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City?
The drive from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City takes approximately 21h 19min covering 1280 miles via I-94. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Minneapolis to Salt Lake City?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $149 on gas for this 1280-mile trip. You'll need about 42.7 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City?
Early morning (6-8 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 Salt Lake City route?
Yes, expect approximately $38 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
