How far is Bloomington, MN from Ely, MN?
The driving distance from Bloomington, MN to Ely, MN is about 255.2 miles (410.7 km), with a travel time of about 05h 05m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 222.3 miles (357.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 10m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 05m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Township in Carlton County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bloomington and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bloomington and Ely.
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1
Start on West 90th Street
50 m · 10 sec · West 90th Street
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2
Take the ramp left toward I 35W North
931 ft · 23 sec
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3
Merge slight left
9 mi · 12 min
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4
Keep slight right
5.6 mi · 7 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 36
1758 ft · 25 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1359 ft · 19 sec
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7
Keep slight left
7.1 mi · 9 min
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8
Keep slight left
16.7 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight left
105 mi · 1 hr 52 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
2915 ft · 58 sec
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11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
39 m · 2 sec
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12
Exit the roundabout
18.9 mi · 25 min
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13
Take the exit straight
1929 ft · 30 sec
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14
Merge slight right
37.4 mi · 43 min
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
34 m · 1 sec
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16
Exit the roundabout
10.3 mi · 14 min
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17
Take the exit slight right toward MN 169: Ely
2825 ft · 44 sec
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18
Continue on State Highway 169
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 169
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19
Continue on Highway 169
28.6 mi · 40 min · Highway 169
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Sheridan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bloomington and Ely.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
MN 36
Keep slight left
105 mi · 01h 52m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Bloomington and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bloomington to Ely?
The road trip is about 255.2 miles (410.7 km) and usually takes 05h 05m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Barnum is a useful midpoint, sitting about 127.6 miles from Bloomington and 127.6 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 222.3 miles (357.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:50 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.16 one way or $64.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 80.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Bloomington and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Barnum
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Barnum.
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bloomington and Ely. Straight-line distance: 222.31 mi (357.78 km).
#1 Bloomington
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 84,583 |
| Coordinates | 44.8408000, -93.2982800 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ely (-91.86709, 47.90324)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 411 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $32.16 | $64.31 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $35.33 | $70.66 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $39.57 | $79.14 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $43.82 | $87.65 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.