How far is Apple Valley, MN from Big Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Apple Valley, MN to Big Lake, MN is about 61.8 miles (99.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 48.8 miles (78.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 34m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 17m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apple Valley and Big Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley and Big Lake.
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1
Start on County Road 42
11 m · 6 sec · County Road 42
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2
Turn right onto Cedar Avenue
9.5 mi · 12 min · Cedar Avenue
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3
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
973 ft · 26 sec
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4
Merge slight left
8.8 mi · 11 min
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5
Keep slight left
15.9 mi · 20 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West: Saint Cloud
3250 ft · 50 sec
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7
Continue straight
16.6 mi · 18 min
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8
Keep slight left
6 mi · 6 min
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9
Take the exit slight right
2016 ft · 53 sec
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10
Turn right onto Pine Street
1.3 km · 2 min · Pine Street
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11
Continue on State Highway 25
2.8 mi · 5 min · State Highway 25
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12
Turn left onto Jefferson Boulevard
81 m · 43 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
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13
Turn uturn onto Jefferson Boulevard
38 m · 3 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apple Valley and Big Lake.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 94 West
Continue straight
16.6 mi · 00h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny leaving Apple Valley and Sunny near Big Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apple Valley to Big Lake?
The road trip is about 61.8 miles (99.4 km) and usually takes 01h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Plymouth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.8 miles from Apple Valley and 30.9 miles from Big Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 48.8 miles (78.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 13 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:56 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $7.78 one way or $15.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 19.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny around Apple Valley and Sunny near Big Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Plymouth
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Champlin Utility Billing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Plymouth.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apple Valley and Big Lake. Straight-line distance: 48.86 mi (78.63 km).
#1 Apple Valley
A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 54,847 |
| Coordinates | 44.7319100, -93.2177200 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Big Lake
City in Texas, USA
| Population | 8,134 |
| Coordinates | 45.3324600, -93.7460800 |
| Altitude | 286 |
| Country | United States |
End: Big Lake (-93.74608, 45.33246)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 99 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 46m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $7.78 | $15.56 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $8.55 | $17.10 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $9.57 | $19.15 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $10.60 | $21.21 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Minnesota · Apr 15, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.