How Long Is the Drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis?
The drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis takes approximately 27h 41min, covering 1662 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $193 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 38–39+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
23h 32m
🔵 Typical
27h 41min
🔴 Heavy traffic
40h 8m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1662 miles (2674 km)
Drive Time27h 41min
RouteI-10
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~55.4 gallons
Est. Cost$193
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis
For a long drive like Phoenix 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:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
27h 41min
~$193 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 49m
~$249–$582 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 19m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
27h 41min
~$193
🚌 Bus
36h 56m
~$133–$299
🚂 Train
30h 13m
~$199–$499
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:
📍 Parker
📍 DEN
📍 Castle Rock
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis?
The drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis takes approximately 27h 41min covering 1662 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Phoenix to Minneapolis?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $193 on gas for this 1662-mile trip. You'll need about 55.4 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Phoenix to Minneapolis?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Phoenix to Minneapolis route?
Yes, expect approximately $49 in tolls along this route. Consider getting an E-ZPass or similar transponder for faster toll payment.
