No, there is no direct passenger rail service from Chesapeake to Minneapolis.

How long is the drive?

The drive is approximately 20 hours.

What is the best route?

I-70 W to I-90 W is the standard route.

Yes, expect tolls on various segments of the interstate system.

Is Minneapolis walkable?

Downtown is very walkable, especially with the skyway system.

Chesapeake

Minneapolis

Flight Driving

Chesapeake to Minneapolis

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Chesapeake to Minneapolis is approximately 1,200 miles. Driving is a multi-day journey, typically taking 18-20 hours of pure driving time via I-70 W and I-90 W. Flying from Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is highly recommended for this distance, as it saves significant time and energy.

Total Distance: 1,930 km driving distance and 1,600 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying is significantly faster, taking about 5 hours compared to 20+ hours of driving.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for groups, but flying is often more cost-effective for solo travelers when factoring in hotel costs.

Compare Chesapeake to Minneapolis Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours	20 hours
Avg Price	$350-$600	$200-$300 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	ORF to MSP.	I-70 W to I-90 W.
Tip	Book early to avoid high prices on this long-haul domestic route.	This is a two-day drive; plan for an overnight stop in Chicago or Madison.

Travel Tips

Airport Transit
The METRO Blue Line light rail connects the airport directly to downtown Minneapolis.
Weather
Minneapolis winters are extremely cold; pack appropriate gear if visiting between November and April.
Navigation
The city has an extensive skyway system that allows you to walk between buildings indoors during winter.
Dining
Try a Jucy Lucy, a local burger specialty with cheese inside the patty.
Traffic
Avoid I-35W during rush hour if possible.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
If driving in winter, ensure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires and an emergency kit.
Fatigue
If driving, do not attempt to do the 20-hour trip in one go; plan for a hotel stay.
Urban Safety
Stick to well-lit areas when walking downtown at night.
Vehicle Security
Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.