Saint Paul, MN to Madison, WI

State capital to state capital route

5h 18m
Drive Time
292
Miles
$34
Gas Cost
1
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Madison Wi?

The drive from Saint Paul Mn to Madison Wi takes approximately 5h 18m, covering 292 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $34 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 7–8+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
4h 30m
🔵 Typical
5h 18m
🔴 Heavy traffic
7h 41m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance292 miles
Drive Time5h 18min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$34
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$49-$84

Route Tips: I-95

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.

Best Time to Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Madison Wi

The best time to drive from Saint Paul Mn to Madison Wi is early morning (6-8 am). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.

🟢 Best: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Approximate route shown. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions.

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
5h 18m
~$34 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 5m
~$80–$150 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~35 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
5h 18m
~$34
🚌 Bus
6h 29m
~$23–$53
🚂 Train
5h 19m
~$35–$88

Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.

FAQ

How long is the drive from Saint Paul, MN to Madison, WI?
The drive takes approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes covering 292 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 9 gallons of gas, costing approximately $34 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities.