Driving from Andover to Minneapolis: How Long Will It Take?

If you’re planning on driving from Andover to Minneapolis, you’re probably wondering how long it’s going to take you. While Andover is a suburb of Minneapolis, the two cities are still far enough apart to warrant some consideration when it comes to estimating your drive time. In this post, we’ll go over the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route from Andover to Minneapolis is to take Highway 10 west and then merge onto Interstate 35W South. That route is roughly 20 miles and can take between 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. However, the slowest route is also the shortest. Taking County Highway 242 or University Avenue is the shortest distance at only 18 miles. However, during peak rush hour traffic, this route can take up to an hour or longer to navigate.

Driving Time Based on Traffic Conditions

Traffic patterns can drastically alter the amount of time it will take to drive from Andover to Minneapolis. During peak traffic hours, your drive time can be significantly longer. A morning rush hour drive, between 6:00 am to 9:00 am, can take up to 45-60 minutes, while the same drive during off-peak hours, such as the middle of the day or later in the evening, can take 25 minutes or less.

Traffic During Events

If you’re going to be driving to Minneapolis during weekends or big events, consider adding extra driving time to your plans. Major events can cause severe traffic and travel delays, specifically during the Minnesota State Fair and other major sporting events. Make sure you check for road closures or any alternate route suggestions before starting your drive to avoid wasting valuable leisure time navigating excessive traffic.

Final Thoughts

Driving from Andover to Minneapolis is a simple, straightforward drive, but it's essential to consider traffic conditions to ensure you arrive at your destination on time. The fastest route can save you time, but if you're driving during peak hours, planning an alternate route might be a better option. We hope this post helped answer your questions about drive times and traffic patterns for this route. Safe travels!