Saint Paul, MN to Phoenix, AZ

State capital to state capital route

30h 21m
Drive Time
1670
Miles
$194
Gas Cost
14
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Phoenix Az?

The drive from Saint Paul Mn to Phoenix Az takes approximately 30h 21m, covering 1670 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $194 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 42–43+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
25h 48m
🔵 Typical
30h 21m
🔴 Heavy traffic
44h

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

Route Details

Distance1670 miles
Drive Time30h 21min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$194
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$209-$244

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.

You'll likely need 4 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Phoenix Az

For a long drive like Saint Paul Mn to Phoenix Az, 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)

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

Open in Google Maps ⚡ View EV Route

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
30h 21m
~$194 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 50m
~$250–$584 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 20m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
30h 21m
~$194
🚌 Bus
37h 7m
~$134–$301
🚂 Train
30h 22m
~$200–$501

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 Phoenix, AZ?
The drive takes approximately 30 hours and 21 minutes covering 1670 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 55 gallons of gas, costing approximately $194 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.