Minneapolis to Chicago Distance
409 miles•658 km•6.4 hours
Driving distance and route information from Minneapolis, United Statesto Chicago, United States. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.
⭐
FASTEST ROUTE
408.95 mi
(658.14 km)
⏱️6h 21m
Via I-94 → I-90 → I-39 → I-290
I-94 → I-90
💰 Tolls
🔄
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
458.11 mi
(737.26 km)
⏱️7h 8m
Via I-94 → WI-29 → US-10 → I-41
I-94 → WI-29
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 355 miles (571 km)
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Complete Driving Guide: Minneapolis to Chicago
Essential Route Information
TOTAL DISTANCE
409 mi
658 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
6.4 hours
384 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
55 L
$82 cost
📍 Route Overview
Starting PointMinneapolis, Minnesota
DestinationChicago, Illinois
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times
🚗 Driving Details
Average Speed103 km/h
Straight-line Distance571 km
Route Efficiency87%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries
Compare All Routes from Minneapolis to Chicago
| Route Type | Distance | Drive Time | Avg Speed | Tolls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Fastest Route | 409 mi (658 km) | 6.4 hours | 104 km/h | ✅ Yes |
| Alternative 1 | 458 mi (737 km) | 7.1 hours | 103 km/h | ✅ Yes |
Complete Journey Overview: Minneapolis to Chicago
The road journey from Minneapolis to Chicago spans approximately 409 miles (658 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 6.4 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.
This route connects Minnesota, United States with Illinois, United States, traversing through various regions within United States. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.
The fastest driving route from Minneapolis to Chicago follows the I-94 → I-90 → I-39 → I-290 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 103 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.
🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials
✓
Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 16 gallons (55 liters) of fuel for this 409 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
✓
Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 7.4 hours.
✓
Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
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Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.
💰 Cost Estimation Guide
Fuel Cost (approximate)$57
Toll Costs$20
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$102
Total Trip Cost$180
* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.
Alternative Transportation Options
🚗
By Car
6.4 hours
409 miles
✈️
By Plane
0.7 hours flight
571 km direct
🚌
By Bus
8.3 hours
Multiple stops
More routes from Minneapolis
Minneapolis to Chicago - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the driving distance from Minneapolis to Chicago?
The driving distance from Minneapolis to Chicago is 409 miles (658 km) by the fastest route, which follows I-94 → I-90 → I-39 → I-290. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 571 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Chicago?
The drive from Minneapolis to Chicago takes approximately 6h 21m of continuous driving at an average speed of 103 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 7.4 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Minneapolis to Chicago?
The fastest driving route from Minneapolis to Chicago is 409 miles (658 km) via I-94 → I-90 → I-39 → I-290, taking about 6h 21m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.
Are there alternative routes from Minneapolis to Chicago?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Minneapolis and Chicago. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Minneapolis to Chicago include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Minneapolis to Chicago includes toll roads along I-94 → I-90 → I-39 → I-290. Toll costs vary by vehicle class and exact path; check the route summary cards above for toll-road indicators on each route option.
How much fuel does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Chicago?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 14 gallons (55 liters) of fuel for the 409-mile (658-km) drive from Minneapolis to Chicago. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $49 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.
How do I navigate from Minneapolis to Chicago?
Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Minneapolis as the origin and Chicago as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.