Yosemite National Park to Minneapolis

34h 1m
Drive Time
1871
Miles
$218
Gas Cost
16
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Yosemite to Minneapolis?

The drive from Yosemite to Minneapolis takes approximately 34h 1m, covering 1871 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $218 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 48–49+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
28h 55m
🔵 Typical
34h 1m
🔴 Heavy traffic
49h 19m

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

Route Details

Distance1871 mi
Drive Time34h 1min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$218
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$233-$268

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 5 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Yosemite to Minneapolis

For a long drive like Yosemite 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
34h 1m
~$218 gas
✈️ Flying
6h 15m
~$281–$655 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~3h 45m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
34h 1m
~$218
🚌 Bus
41h 35m
~$150–$337
🚂 Train
34h 1m
~$225–$561

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:

📍 Laramie
📍 Steamboat Springs
📍 Rocky Mountain NP

FAQ

How long is the drive from Yosemite National Park to Minneapolis?
The drive takes approximately 34 hours and 1 minutes covering 1871 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 62 gallons of gas, costing approximately $218 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.