- Must visit
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Major art museum with a broad collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city and especially strong for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$508
Average price
$508
Fastest journey
2 d 13 h 43 m
Average duration
2 d 13 h 43 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2469 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN will cost around $508 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $508.
It's difficult to get from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN without transferring at least 5 times.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $508. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 61h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $508, and a bus costs an average of $508.
Distance: 1534 miles (2469 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$508 Average price Cheapest | $375 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
61h 46m Average total duration Fastest 61h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Metro Los Angeles | Departure Time 03:02PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 61h43 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $508 |
Operator Metro Los Angeles | Departure Time 05:18PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 59h27 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $508 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:02 PM Santa Monica, CA | 61h43 | 4:45 AM Minneapolis, MN | 5 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN run on average 1 times per day, taking around 61h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $508 (€417) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:13. The fastest bus covers the 1534 miles (2469 km) distance in 59h 27m.
Distance 1534 miles (2469 km) |
Average bus duration 61h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $508 (€417) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 59h 27m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:13 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Minneapolis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Minneapolis trip today.
Major art museum with a broad collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city and especially strong for first-time visitors.
Leading contemporary art museum known for modern exhibitions, design, film, and performance. Often paired with a visit to the adjacent sculpture garden.
Museum built within the ruins of a historic flour mill, telling the story of Minneapolis industry and the Mississippi riverfront.
Large urban park centered on Minnehaha Falls, with trails, river access, and photogenic scenery. Extremely popular with visitors and locals.
Linked lakes with walking and biking paths, beaches, and city views. A defining outdoor experience in Minneapolis.
The city's largest lake, popular for walking, paddling, and sunset views. Frequently featured in social media and local recreation guides.
A Minneapolis burger with cheese stuffed inside the beef patty instead of on top. It is a Twin Cities classic strongly associated with local bar and grill culture.
A sandwich made with Minnesota walleye, the state fish, usually fried or grilled and served on a bun. It reflects the region’s lake culture and love of freshwater fish.
A creamy soup featuring Minnesota wild rice, often with mushrooms, vegetables, or chicken. Wild rice is one of the state’s most iconic indigenous ingredients.
An acclaimed restaurant celebrating Indigenous North American ingredients and techniques. It offers one of the most distinctive dining experiences in Minneapolis.
A celebrated North Loop restaurant serving polished Midwestern cuisine in an upscale but welcoming setting. It is one of the city’s best-known fine dining destinations.
A lively downtown restaurant known for creative American comfort food and a popular brunch. It is established, approachable, and consistently well regarded.
Generally moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but meals, coffee, and transit are fairly manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, CA to Minneapolis, MN by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Minneapolis, MN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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