Lincoln, NE → Minneapolis, MN
328 mi · 6h 34m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
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Lincoln
34°
Ida County
33°
Fairmont Township
33°
Minneapolis
26°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 328 mi · 6h 34m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
33°F, wind 3 mph
Rest Stops
22
Restrooms, Truck svc, WiFi
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Sapp Brothers Travel Center
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Hazards Ahead
1 road closure may affect your route · 6 construction zones on route
6 Construction Zones on Route
Kenrick Avenue: Road maintenance operations. Between Safety Signs and 195th Street.
I-494: Road maintenance operations. Between Exit 3: Portland Avenue and Nicollet Avenue.
MN 55 eastbound: Construction work. Between East 42nd Street and East 46th Street.
I-35W: Road maintenance operations. Between Exit 13: 46th Street and Exit 14: East 36th Street.
I-394: Road maintenance operations. Between I-94 and 12th Street North.
MN 65 northbound: Utility work. Between 44th Avenue Northeast and 46th Avenue Northeast.
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via US-6 East → I-80 Alt → ... → I-35 North → I-35W North
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-90 EB @ I-35 NB
MN · EB
I-35 (Twin Lakes - MP 1) View 4
MN ·
I-35 (Twin Lakes - MP 1) View 1
MN ·
I-35 (Twin Lakes - MP 1) View 3
MN ·
I-35 (Twin Lakes - MP 1) View 5
MN ·
I-35 (Twin Lakes - MP 1) View 2
MN ·
I-35 NB @ Co Rd 25 (MP 16.1)
MN · NB
I-35 NB N of T.H.251 (MP19.5)
MN · NB
I-35 NB @ C.S.A.H.35 (MP22.9)
MN · NB
I-35 NB S of T.H.30 (Freeborn/Steele Co Line)
MN · NB
I-35 (Hope) View 2
MN ·
I-35 NB (MP 68.1 - Heath Creek RA)
MN · NB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
52 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Nov 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Nov 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
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Driving from Lincoln, NE to Minneapolis, MN covers 328 miles in roughly 6h 34m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 52 rest areas and 1 reported incident along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
42° / 34°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
45° / 27°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
50° / 28°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
51° / 33°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
54° / 43°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
60° / 48°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
59° / 52°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Sunday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, ⛅ Partly cloudy at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Lincoln, NE
34°F
Wind: 4 mph
Minneapolis, MN
26°F
Wind: 5 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Lincoln, NE to Minneapolis, MN
The 328-mile drive from Lincoln, Nebraska to Minneapolis, Minnesota takes approximately 6h 34m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Nebraska into Minnesota, connecting Lincoln and Minneapolis. Covering 328 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
- Black ice on mountain passes and bridges
- Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding (spring and summer)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.
Best Time to Drive Lincoln to Minneapolis
For medium-distance drives like this 328-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 328-mile drive from Lincoln to Minneapolis takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Lincoln to Minneapolis?
The drive is approximately 328 miles and takes about 6h 34m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Today (Nov 13) looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Lincoln to Minneapolis today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Lincoln to Minneapolis route?
Yes, there are 52 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-80, I-35 North. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
There is currently 1 active incident along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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