You're looking at a map and trying to figure out how far it actually is to the "Mini Apple." Maybe you’re planning a move, or maybe you just need to know if that 7-hour drive from Chicago is really worth the gas money. It usually is. But measuring the distance to Minneapolis Minnesota isn't just about straight lines on a GPS.
People think of the Twin Cities as one big blob. They aren't. If you’re heading to US Bank Stadium to catch a Vikings game, that’s a very different trip than trying to hit the Mall of America in Bloomington. Technically, "Minneapolis" has very specific borders, and if you miss your exit on I-35W, you might suddenly find yourself in Richfield or St. Louis Park before you can blink.
Minneapolis is tucked away in the Upper Midwest, sitting pretty at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. It’s the 16th largest metro area in the country. It feels big, yet somehow reachable.
The Drive: How Far Is Minneapolis from Everywhere Else?
Driving to the Bold North is a rite of passage for Midwesterners. Most people coming from the south or east are going to hit I-94 or I-35. Honestly, the drive through Iowa on I-35 is basically just corn and wind turbines until you hit the Burnsville split. It's a straight shot, but it feels longer than it is.
Here’s the breakdown of what you’re looking at from major hubs:
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- Chicago, IL: You’ve got about 410 miles to cover. If you take I-90 West through Madison, you’re looking at 6 to 7 hours. If there’s a blizzard in Eau Claire? Double it.
- Des Moines, IA: This is the easiest leg. It's roughly 245 miles straight up I-35. You can do it in about 3.5 hours if you don't stop at the Kum & Go.
- Kansas City, MO: You’re looking at 440 miles. It’s basically a 6.5-hour trek through the heart of the plains.
- Winnipeg, MB: Our neighbors to the north have a 455-mile trek down I-29 and I-94. Usually takes about 7.5 hours, depending on how grumpy the border agents are that day.
- Milwaukee, WI: It’s roughly 340 miles. Plan for 5 hours of Dairy Queen stops and Culver's runs.
Traffic in the Twin Cities is its own beast. If you’re coming in from the south during rush hour, the "distance" doesn't matter. The time does. The 494/694 loop is notorious. You could be 10 miles away and still be 40 minutes from your hotel.
Why the "Miles" Can Be Deceptive
Geography here is weird. Minneapolis is the seat of Hennepin County, and it’s relatively flat. But the city itself is only about 58 square miles. When people ask about the distance to Minneapolis Minnesota, they usually mean the metro area.
If you're going to the University of Minnesota, you're on the east side of town. If you’re going to the Chain of Lakes, you're heading southwest. These aren't just blocks; they're distinct ecosystems.
Flying into MSP: The 2026 Reality
Most folks aren't driving 1,800 miles from Los Angeles. They're flying into Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP). As of early 2026, MSP is seeing a massive surge—about a 4% increase in activity compared to last year. It’s a Delta hub, which means you can get here from almost anywhere without a layover.
Flight times are surprisingly short. From Chicago (ORD or MDW), you’re in the air for barely an hour and 30 minutes. It’s basically a commute. From New York (JFK or LGA), it’s about 3 hours. From LAX, you’re looking at roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.
MSP is actually located in the southeastern corner of the metro, technically bordering Bloomington and St. Paul. It is not "downtown." You’ll still have a 15-to-20-minute Uber or a Light Rail ride to get into the heart of the city.
The airport handles about 37 million passengers a year now. It’s efficient, but it’s big. Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) and Terminal 2 (Humphrey) are miles apart. If you tell your ride to meet you at "the airport" and you're at the wrong terminal, you're looking at a frustrated driver and a 15-minute shuttle ride.
Proximity to the "Other" Twin
You can't talk about the distance to Minneapolis without mentioning St. Paul. They are literally right next to each other. The distance between the two downtowns is only about 10 to 12 miles.
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But they feel like different worlds. Minneapolis is the "Mini Apple"—shiny skyscrapers, the North Loop, the Mill District, and a faster pace. St. Paul is the older, quieter sibling with Victorian architecture and more hills.
- First Ring Suburbs: These touch the city limits. Think Edina, Richfield, Roseville, and Golden Valley. You’re usually 10-15 minutes from downtown.
- Second Ring Suburbs: This is where the 494/694 loop sits. Cities like Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, and Woodbury. You're looking at a 20-30 minute drive.
- Third Ring: Places like Lakeville or Rogers. You’re starting to push 40+ minutes here.
Navigation Hacks for Travelers
If you’re using a GPS, don't just type in "Minneapolis." Type in the specific neighborhood. The city is divided into 11 communities and 83 neighborhoods.
If you want the trendy shops, go to Uptown (Hennepin and Lake). If you want the historic vibes and great food, head to the North Loop. If you want to see where Prince recorded, you're actually looking for Paisley Park, which is in Chanhassen—about 20 miles southwest of the city.
One thing that confuses everyone? The street suffixes. North, Northeast, South, and Southeast. If you ignore those, you will end up on the wrong side of the Mississippi River. Trust me. I've seen it happen a thousand times.
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Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Before you head out, do these three things:
- Check the 494 Construction: It’s a perpetual state of being in Minnesota. Check MnDOT before you leave. A 10-mile distance can turn into a 2-hour crawl if they’ve got the lanes down to one.
- Book MSP Reserve: If you’re flying out, you can now reserve a spot in the security line for free. It saves a ton of time during peak hours.
- Download the Metro Transit App: If you’re staying downtown or near the Mall of America, the Light Rail (Blue and Green lines) is often faster than driving. The distance is short, and you don't have to deal with $40 event parking.
The distance to Minneapolis Minnesota is manageable, whether you're coming from the Northwoods or the Deep South. Just remember that in the winter, miles don't matter—the snow does. Plan accordingly.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current traffic patterns on I-35 and I-94 to see if there are any major closures. If you're flying, look up your specific terminal at MSP to ensure you've got the right ground transportation lined up.