How Long Is the Drive from Nashville to Minneapolis?
The drive from Nashville to Minneapolis takes approximately 15h 5min, covering 906 miles via I-40. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $105 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 21–22+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
12h 49m
🔵 Typical
15h 5min
🔴 Heavy traffic
21h 52m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance906 miles (1458 km)
Drive Time15h 5min
RouteI-40
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~30.2 gallons
Est. Cost$105
Route Tips: I-40
Follows the old Route 66 corridor. Long desert stretches require fuel planning.
You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Nashville to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Nashville to Minneapolis, 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
15h 5min
~$105 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 19m
~$136–$317 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
15h 5min
~$105
🚌 Bus
20h 8m
~$72–$163
🚂 Train
16h 28m
~$109–$272
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:
📍 Joliet
📍 Aurora
📍 Naperville
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Nashville to Minneapolis?
The drive from Nashville to Minneapolis takes approximately 15h 5min covering 906 miles via I-40. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Nashville to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $105 on gas for this 906-mile trip. You'll need about 30.2 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Nashville to Minneapolis?
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 Nashville to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $27 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
