Chicago, United States → Minneapolis, United States · ✈ 1h 13min · 🚗 9h 17min
308 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northwest
The distance from Chicago to Minneapolis is 571 km (355 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 13min.
The straight-line distance from Chicago, United States to Minneapolis, United States is approximately 571 kilometers (355 miles or 308 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Minneapolis is located northwest of Chicago. Chicago is in North America, in the Midwest region of United States, while Minneapolis is in North America, in Midwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 571 km | ~1h 13min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~742 km | ~9h 17min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~685 km | ~5h 43min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Chicago to Minneapolis. For 571 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 742 km, fuel costs for driving from Chicago to Minneapolis are approximately $59–$111 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Chicago sits at 41.8781°N, 87.6298°W, while Minneapolis is located at 44.9778°N, 93.2650°W. The initial compass bearing from Chicago to Minneapolis is 309° (NW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Chicago heading roughly NW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 3.10° and the longitude difference is 5.64°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Chicago and Minneapolis is approximately 43.4625°N, 90.3752°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 286 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Chicago and Minneapolis share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Chicago is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 2,693,976. Located in the Midwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Chicago is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
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Minneapolis is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 429,954. Situated in the Midwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Minneapolis is a popular destination in the Midwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
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571 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 571 km, the Chicago-Minneapolis route is about 1.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 13min.
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Minneapolis is approximately 571 kilometers (355 miles, 308 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 13min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 9h 17min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Minneapolis is approximately Same timezone compared to Chicago.
The estimated road distance is approximately 742 km, which is about 30% longer than the 571 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.