How far is Burnsville, MN from Lake Elmo, MN?
The driving distance from Burnsville, MN to Lake Elmo, MN is about 30.9 miles (49.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25 miles (40.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 27m 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 43m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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.
City in Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Burnsville and Lake Elmo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burnsville and Lake Elmo.
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1
Start on Nicollet Avenue South
1 km · 1 min · Nicollet Avenue South
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2
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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3
Turn right onto Cliff Road East
2.1 mi · 4 min · Cliff Road East
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4
Turn left onto I 35E North
1582 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left
5 mi · 5 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 West, I 494 East
1450 ft · 35 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 494 East
1.1 km · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 15 min
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9
Continue straight
3.2 mi · 4 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward CH 14
1326 ft · 35 sec
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11
Turn right onto 34th Street North
1.7 mi · 3 min · 34th Street North
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Stillwater Boulevard North
45 m · 3 sec · Stillwater Boulevard North
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13
Exit the roundabout onto Stillwater Boulevard North
2.2 mi · 4 min · Stillwater Boulevard North
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14
Turn right onto Lake Elmo Avenue North
2364 ft · 1 min · Lake Elmo Avenue North
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Elmo Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Burnsville and Lake Elmo.
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 494 East
Merge slight left
12.1 mi · 00h 15m
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 Burnsville and Areas Of Fog near Lake Elmo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Burnsville to Lake Elmo?
The road trip is about 30.9 miles (49.8 km) and usually takes 00h 43m 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?
South Saint Paul is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.5 miles from Burnsville and 15.5 miles from Lake Elmo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25 miles (40.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 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 7:02 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.89 one way or $7.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Burnsville and Areas Of Fog near Lake Elmo.
Stop Ideas Near South Saint Paul
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 South Saint Paul.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
Eau Claire, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Burnsville and Lake Elmo. Straight-line distance: 25.07 mi (40.35 km).
#1 Burnsville
The most populous city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,170 |
| Coordinates | 44.7677400, -93.2777200 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Elmo
City in Washington County, Minnesota
| Population | 9,280 |
| Coordinates | 44.9958000, -92.8793800 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Elmo (-92.87938, 44.9958)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 50 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.89 | $7.78 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.27 | $8.55 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.79 | $9.57 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.30 | $10.60 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.