How far is Apple Valley, MN from Elk River, MN?
The driving distance from Apple Valley, MN to Elk River, MN is about 52.1 miles (83.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 04m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 43.1 miles (69.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 09m 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 04m.
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.
A city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Apple Valley and Elk River.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley and Elk River.
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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
8.3 mi · 9 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MN 101, CR 81, MN 101 North: Rogers, Elk River
1499 ft · 37 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on MN 101 North Bypass
1.3 km · 55 sec · MN 101 North Bypass
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10
Merge slight left
6.4 mi · 7 min
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11
Continue on US Highway 169
2675 ft · 35 sec · US Highway 169
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12
Take the exit slight right
663 ft · 16 sec
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13
Keep slight left
134 m · 11 sec
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14
Turn left onto Main Street Northwest
1 km · 1 min · Main Street Northwest
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15
Turn right onto Jackson Avenue Northwest
80 m · 7 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apple Valley and Elk River.
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 494 West
Keep slight left
15.9 mi · 00h 20m
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.
Sunny leaving Apple Valley and Sunny near Elk River.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apple Valley to Elk River?
The road trip is about 52.1 miles (83.9 km) and usually takes 01h 04m 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?
Minnetonka Mills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.1 miles from Apple Valley and 26.1 miles from Elk River.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 43.1 miles (69.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 4:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.57 one way or $13.13 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Apple Valley and Sunny near Elk River.
Stop Ideas Near Minnetonka Mills
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
City of Bloomington
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Minnetonka Mills.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apple Valley and Elk River. Straight-line distance: 43.05 mi (69.28 km).
#1 Apple Valley
A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 54,847 |
| Coordinates | 44.7319100, -93.2177200 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Elk River
City in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 25,601 |
| Coordinates | 45.3038500, -93.5671800 |
| Altitude | 273 |
| Country | United States |
End: Elk River (-93.56718, 45.30385)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 84 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 39m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $6.57 | $13.13 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $7.21 | $14.43 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $8.08 | $16.16 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $8.95 | $17.90 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.