Road Trip Adventure: Austin to Minneapolis

Are you planning a trip from Austin, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minnesota? It’s a 1,200-mile journey with many options for routes, but which one is the fastest or slowest? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Here is a breakdown of the different routes, the distance, and the time it takes to get from one city to the other, based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The quickest route from Austin to Minneapolis takes you through the heart of America. Starting in Austin, you’ll likely take I-35 North for most of the trip, which is the fastest and most direct route. The road passes through Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Des Moines, and then finally gets to Minneapolis. This route is approximately 1,209 miles long and takes around 18 hours with minimal breaks.

The longest and most leisurely route takes you through Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks for a more scenic trip, and although it's longer, it’s worth the view. This route is approximately 1,480 miles long and can take up to just over 22 hours with minimal breaks.

Time Based on Traffic Patterns

Since we all know traffic can be unpredictable, it's essential to consider the time of day and traffic conditions when planning your trip. To estimate drive time, we've factored in time of day with two scenarios: peak traffic and minimal traffic.

Driving during rush hour times can add hours to your journey, so avoid traveling between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. You can expect to spend around 21 hours and 30 minutes to travel the fastest route with peak traffic patterns. In contrast, driving with minimal traffic can take around 16 hours and 45 minutes for the same route.

Which Route is Right for You

Ultimately, you need to decide which route suits your travel desires best.Of course, if you're short on time, stick to the fastest option. But, if you need to break up a lengthy trip with some scenic views, take the more extended route.

Whether you're driving for leisure or work, keep safety in mind, and stay alert on the road. Always make pit stops to stretch, get refreshed, and fill up on gas and snacks. And always remember, getting there is half the fun in any road trip adventure!

Safe driving and have fun!