Minneapolis, United States → Milwaukee, United States · ✈ 1h 6min · 🚗 7h 48min
259 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: east
The distance from Minneapolis to Milwaukee is 480 km (298 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 6min.
The straight-line distance from Minneapolis, United States to Milwaukee, United States is approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles or 259 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Milwaukee is located east of Minneapolis. Minneapolis is in North America, in the Midwest region of United States, while Milwaukee is in North America, in Midwest, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 480 km | ~1h 6min | Quick but may not save time with airport procedures |
| 🚗 Drive | ~624 km | ~7h 48min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~576 km | ~4h 48min | Budget-friendly option |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Minneapolis to Milwaukee. At this distance, driving gives you the most flexibility and avoids airport overhead.
Based on an estimated road distance of 624 km, fuel costs for driving from Minneapolis to Milwaukee are approximately $50–$94 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 Milwaukee is located at 43.0389°N, 87.9065°W. The initial compass bearing from Minneapolis to Milwaukee is 115° (ESE), so a great-circle flight path leaves Minneapolis heading roughly ESE. 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 1.94° and the longitude difference is 5.36°. 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 Milwaukee is approximately 44.0397°N, 90.5419°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 240 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Minneapolis and Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 577,222. Situated in the Midwest region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Milwaukee is a popular destination in the Midwest region of United States, known for its unique character and attractions.
480 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 480 km, the Minneapolis-Milwaukee route is about 1.2% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 6min.
At just 480 km within United States, the Minneapolis–Milwaukee corridor is well-suited for a day trip or weekend getaway. Consider driving for flexibility, or check regional rail connections for a hassle-free journey.
The straight-line distance from Minneapolis to Milwaukee is approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles, 259 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 6min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 7h 48min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Milwaukee is approximately Same timezone compared to Minneapolis.
The estimated road distance is approximately 624 km, which is about 30% longer than the 480 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.