Minneapolis, United States → Chicago, United States · ✈ 1h 13min · 🚗 9h 17min
308 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: southeast
The distance from Minneapolis to Chicago 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 Minneapolis, United States to Chicago, 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.
Chicago is located southeast of Minneapolis. Minneapolis is in North America, in the Midwest region of United States, while Chicago 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 Minneapolis to Chicago. 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 Minneapolis to Chicago 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.
Minneapolis sits at 44.9778°N, 93.2650°W, while Chicago is located at 41.8781°N, 87.6298°W. The initial compass bearing from Minneapolis to Chicago is 125° (SE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Minneapolis heading roughly SE. 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 Minneapolis and Chicago 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.
Minneapolis and Chicago 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.
Minneapolis is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 429,954. Located in the Midwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Minneapolis plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Minneapolis
Chicago is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 2,693,976. Situated in the Midwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Chicago offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United States.
→ See all distances from Chicago
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 Minneapolis-Chicago route is about 1.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 13min.
The straight-line distance from Minneapolis to Chicago 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.
Chicago is approximately Same timezone compared to Minneapolis.
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.