St. Louis to Minneapolis: Drive (5h15m) or Bus (7h)

Distance: ~530 miles (850 km).

Driving (5 hr 15 min ideal)

1. I-55 N → St. Louis to Pontiac, IL (~160 mi).
2. I-39 N → Pontiac to Rockford, IL (~80 mi).
3. I-90 W (Jane Addams Tollway) → Rockford to Wisconsin border (~50 mi).
4. I-39 N / I-90 W → Madison, WI (~60 mi).
5. I-94 W → Madison to Twin Cities (~270 mi).

Note: I-39/I-90/I-94 overlap around Madison; watch signs. Toll on I-90 (IL) & I-94 (MN).

Bus

Jefferson Lines: 1 daily, ~7 hr 5 min, $40–$90. Departs St. Louis (Gateway Station) → arrives Minneapolis (Hawthorne Transportation Center).

Fly

STL → MSP: 1h 45m nonstop (multiple carriers); + airport time = ~4–5 hrs total. Often cheapest when booked ahead.