How far is Apple Valley, MN from Mendota Heights, MN?
The driving distance from Apple Valley, MN to Mendota Heights, MN is about 15.1 miles (24.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.2 miles (18 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 42m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 21m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Dakota 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 Mendota Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley and Mendota Heights.
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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
2.9 mi · 4 min · Cedar Avenue
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3
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North: Saint Paul
1.4 km · 2 min
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4
Merge slight left
9.1 mi · 11 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 13
1661 ft · 48 sec
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6
Turn left
585 ft · 21 sec
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7
Take the ramp left toward I 35E South
1278 ft · 33 sec
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8
Merge slight left
1.2 mi · 2 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward MN 62 East
1957 ft · 48 sec
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Apple Valley and Mendota Heights.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 35E North
Merge slight left
9.07 mi · 00h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving Apple Valley and Sunny near Mendota Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Apple Valley to Mendota Heights?
The road trip is about 15.1 miles (24.3 km) and usually takes 00h 21m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Eagan is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.5 miles from Apple Valley and 7.5 miles from Mendota Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.2 miles (18 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.9 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.89 one way or $3.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 4.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Apple Valley and Sunny near Mendota Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Eagan
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 Eagan.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Apple Valley and Mendota Heights. Straight-line distance: 11.18 mi (17.99 km).
#1 Apple Valley
A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 54,847 |
| Coordinates | 44.7319100, -93.2177200 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Mendota Heights
City in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States of America
| Population | 11,433 |
| Coordinates | 44.8835800, -93.1382700 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Mendota Heights (-93.13827, 44.88358)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 24 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 12m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $1.89 | $3.78 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $2.08 | $4.16 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $2.33 | $4.66 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $2.58 | $5.16 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.