How far is Big Lake, MN from Apple Valley, MN?

Fastest route

The route from Big Lake, Minnesota to Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124 is approximately 61.3 miles and takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes via I-494 S.

Directions

  1. Head southeast on US-10 E/Jefferson Blvd toward Jefferson Blvd.
  2. Continue to follow US-10 E and use the right lane to merge onto MN-101 S via the ramp to US-169 N/Princeton/Rogers.
  3. Continue on MN-101 S.
  4. Take I-94 E and merge onto I-494 S.
  5. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 2C to merge onto MN-77 S.
  6. Keep left to continue on MN-77 S/Cedar Ave.
  7. Drive to Cedar Ave and make a U-turn at 153rd St W.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🚗 Use the right lane to merge onto MN-101 S via the ramp to US-169 N/Princeton/Rogers.
  • ⚠️ Keep left to continue on MN-77 S/Cedar Ave.
  • 🛣️ Follow the signs for I-494 S to stay on the correct route.
  • 🕐 Consider checking the traffic conditions before starting your journey.
  • 📱 Use a navigation app or GPS device for real-time directions and updates.
  • ⛽ It's a good idea to ensure you have enough fuel for the journey.
  • 🚧 Be aware of any road construction or detours along the way.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
61.71 mi
01h 04m
Flight
48.86 mi
78.63 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Big Lake.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
48.86 mi
Kilometers
78.63 km
Flight Time
00h 05m

Driving Distance

Road route
61.71 mi
Kilometers
99.32 km
Drive Time
01h 04m

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.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Apple Valley
Tue, May 12, 8:08 PM CDT
Return by in Big Lake
Tue, May 12, 9:12 PM CDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Big Lake
2026-05-12T19:04
Arrive Apple Valley
Tue, May 12, 8:08 PM CDT
Route Timing
01h 04m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
9:04 AM to 11:04 AM CDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
4:22 PM CDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Big Lake
9:30 PM CDT
Morning start is best

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.

Mid-route stop
Plymouth
MN

The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.

From Big Lake
30.5 mi
00h 32m
To Apple Valley
31.2 mi
00h 32m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
71°F
Tuesday

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Tue, May 12 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
10 to 20 mph W
Destination
73°F
Tuesday

Sunny

Starts
Tue, May 12 6:00 AM CDT
Wind
15 to 20 mph WSW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Big Lake and Apple Valley.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Big Lake and Apple Valley.

  1. 1

    Start on Jefferson Boulevard

    16 m · 5 sec · Jefferson Boulevard

  2. 2

    Turn right onto Lake Street South

    2.8 mi · 5 min · Lake Street South

  3. 3

    Continue on Pine Street

    1652 ft · 43 sec · Pine Street

  4. 4

    Turn left onto Broadway Street East

    1.5 mi · 3 min · Broadway Street East

  5. 5

    Turn right onto Fenning Avenue

    1727 ft · 40 sec · Fenning Avenue

  6. 6

    Take the ramp left

    1892 ft · 54 sec

  7. 7

    Merge slight left

    21.1 mi · 23 min

  8. 8

    Take the exit slight right toward I 494 South

    2227 ft · 32 sec

  9. 9

    Continue straight

    24.7 mi · 31 min

  10. 10

    Take the exit slight right toward MN 77 South

    1595 ft · 39 sec

  11. 11

    Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive

    1376 ft · 34 sec

  12. 12

    Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South

    2261 ft · 55 sec

  13. 13

    Merge slight left onto Cedar Avenue South

    8.6 mi · 11 min · Cedar Avenue South

  14. 14

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · County Road 42

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Big Lake and Apple Valley.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Interchange-aware route

The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.

Directions
14 steps
3 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
5
2 merges, 3 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
22.7 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
I 494 South
25.2 mi · 41%
Fenning Avenue
21.8 mi · 35%
Cedar Avenue South
8.56 mi · 14%
Lake Street South
2.78 mi · 4%
Broadway Street East
1.48 mi · 2%
MN 77 South
0.99 mi · 2%
Longest Stretch

I 494 South

Continue straight

24.7 mi · 00h 31m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
01h 04m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
02h 08m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+12.9 mi
48.8 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Plymouth
00h 32m from Big Lake
Leave By
4:22 PM CDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Mostly Sunny leaving Big Lake and Sunny near Apple Valley.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Big Lake to Apple Valley?

The road trip is about 61.7 miles (99.3 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?

Plymouth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 30.5 miles from Big Lake and 31.2 miles from Apple Valley.

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 12.9 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 4:22 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 Mostly Sunny around Big Lake and Sunny near Apple Valley.

Stop Ideas Near Plymouth

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
These suggestions come from reviewed places and nearby services around Plymouth and the surrounding midpoint area.
Minneapolis City Hall
Scenic stop 10 mi away

Minneapolis City Hall

Minneapolis , MN
350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Rating 4.3/5 28 reviews City Hall,Tourist attraction
St. Louis Park City Hall
Meeting point 8.1 mi away

St. Louis Park City Hall

Saint Louis Park , MN
5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Rating 2.9/5 21 reviews City government office
Champlin Utility Billing
Nearby stop 9.8 mi away

Champlin Utility Billing

Champlin , MN
11955 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN 55316
Rating 5.0/5 1 reviews Urban planning department

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Plymouth.

RAIL

Saint Paul Union Depot

22 mi away
Midway Station
RAIL

St. Cloud

82 mi away
555 East St. Germain Street
RAIL

Red Wing station

88 mi away
420 Levee Street

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Big Lake and Apple Valley. Straight-line distance: 48.86 mi (78.63 km).

Big Lake

#1 Big Lake

City in Texas, USA

Population8,134
Coordinates45.3324600, -93.7460800
Altitude286
CountryUnited States
Apple Valley

#2 Apple Valley

A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.

Population54,847
Coordinates44.7319100, -93.2177200
Altitude291
CountryUnited States
Start: Jefferson Boulevard (-93.746076, 45.332532)
End: 150th Street West (-93.21772, 44.731938)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 99 km by road

SpeedTime
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.

One-way fuel
2.18 gal
8.24 L · about $7.78
Round trip
$15.56
4.36 gal · 16.48 L
Estimated CO2
19.4 kg one way
Round trip: 38.7 kg / 85 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound 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 · May 13, 2026

There is no time difference between Big Lake and Apple Valley. The current time is 19:04:02.

Distance to Other Cities

Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.