How Long Is the Drive from New York to Minneapolis?
The drive from New York to Minneapolis takes approximately 18h 0min, covering 1200 miles via I-95. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $140 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 25–26+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
15h 18m
🔵 Typical
18h 0min
🔴 Heavy traffic
26h 6m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1200 miles (1931 km)
Drive Time18h 0min
RouteI-95
Best TimeMid-morning (9-11 AM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~40.0 gallons
Est. Cost$140
Route Tips: I-95
One of the busiest highways on the East Coast. Expect congestion near major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
You'll likely need 3 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from New York to Minneapolis
For a long drive like New York 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
18h 0min
~$140 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 54m
~$180–$420 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 24m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
18h 0min
~$140
🚌 Bus
26h 40m
~$96–$216
🚂 Train
21h 49m
~$144–$360
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:
📍 Clarkston
📍 West Bloomfield
📍 Novi
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from New York to Minneapolis?
The drive from New York to Minneapolis takes approximately 18h 0min covering 1200 miles via I-95. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for New York to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $140 on gas for this 1200-mile trip. You'll need about 40.0 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from New York 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 New York to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $36 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
