Interstate 35

Interstate 35 (I-35) is a critical north-south artery in the United States Interstate Highway System, extending over 1,500 miles from Laredo, Texas, at the Mexican border to Duluth, Minnesota, near Lake Superior. This interstate serves as a major trade and travel corridor, linking the central United States to both international borders and several of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. It also plays a pivotal role in facilitating NAFTA/USMCA freight movement between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

Along its route, I-35 passes through six states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. Major cities along the highway include San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas–Fort Worth in Texas; Oklahoma City in Oklahoma; Wichita in Kansas; Kansas City in Missouri; Des Moines in Iowa; and Minneapolis–Saint Paul in Minnesota. In some areas, such as Texas, the route splits into I-35E and I-35W to serve parallel city centers before merging again. This makes it unique among Interstates for having dual designations in two separate urban areas.

Travelers on I-35 experience a wide range of landscapes—from the dry hill country of central Texas and the rolling prairies of Oklahoma and Kansas to the rich farmlands of Iowa and the lake regions of Minnesota. Its central location and direct north-south alignment make it an essential route for both long-haul truckers and regional commuters. Whether you’re road-tripping through America’s heartland or conducting cross-border business, Interstate 35 remains one of the nation’s most important highways.