Yellowstone National Park to Minneapolis

20h 5m
Drive Time
1105
Miles
$128
Gas Cost
9
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Yellowstone to Minneapolis?

The drive from Yellowstone to Minneapolis takes approximately 20h 5m, covering 1105 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $128 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 28–29+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
17h 4m
🔵 Typical
20h 5m
🔴 Heavy traffic
29h 7m

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

Route Details

Distance1105 mi
Drive Time20h 5min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$128
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$143-$178

Route Tips: I-90

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 2 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Yellowstone to Minneapolis

For a long drive like Yellowstone 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: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
20h 5m
~$128 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 43m
~$166–$387 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 13m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
20h 5m
~$128
🚌 Bus
24h 33m
~$88–$199
🚂 Train
20h 5m
~$133–$332

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:

📍 Badlands
📍 Rapid City
📍 Mount Rushmore

FAQ

How long is the drive from Yellowstone National Park to Minneapolis?
The drive takes approximately 20 hours and 5 minutes covering 1105 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 36 gallons of gas, costing approximately $128 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.