Saint Paul, MN to Richmond, VA

State capital to state capital route

22h 39m
Drive Time
1246
Miles
$145
Gas Cost
10
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Richmond Va?

The drive from Saint Paul Mn to Richmond Va takes approximately 22h 39m, covering 1246 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $145 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 31–32+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
19h 15m
🔵 Typical
22h 39m
🔴 Heavy traffic
32h 51m

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

Route Details

Distance1246 miles
Drive Time22h 39min
Avg Speed55 mph
TrafficLight to Moderate

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$145
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Food/Snacks$15-30
Total$160-$195

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 3 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Saint Paul Mn to Richmond Va

For a long drive like Saint Paul Mn to Richmond Va, 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
22h 39m
~$145 gas
✈️ Flying
5h 0m
~$187–$436 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 30m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
22h 39m
~$145
🚌 Bus
27h 41m
~$100–$224
🚂 Train
22h 39m
~$150–$374

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 Richmond, VA?
The drive takes approximately 22 hours and 39 minutes covering 1246 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 41 gallons of gas, costing approximately $145 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.