How far is Burnsville, MN from Thomson, MN?
The driving distance from Burnsville, MN to Thomson, MN is about 150.4 miles (242 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 137.7 miles (221.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 43m 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 02h 51m.
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.
City in Pine County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Burnsville and Thomson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burnsville and Thomson.
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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
10.2 mi · 13 min
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6
Keep slight left
2.7 mi · 5 min
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7
Keep slight left
2303 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight right onto Purple Heart Memorial Highway
107 m · 5 sec · Purple Heart Memorial Highway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 35E North, US 10 West
5.2 mi · 7 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
1620 ft · 20 sec
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North, I 694 East
2496 ft · 35 sec
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12
Merge slight left
1.3 km · 60 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
18 mi · 19 min
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14
Keep slight left
103 mi · 1 hr 50 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward MN 210: Cromwell, Carlton
1367 ft · 36 sec
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16
Turn right
3.7 mi · 6 min
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17
Turn left onto Dalles Avenue
89 m · 8 sec · Dalles Avenue
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Dalles Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Burnsville and Thomson.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 35E North
Keep slight left
103 mi · 01h 50m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Burnsville and Rain Showers Likely near Thomson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Burnsville to Thomson?
The road trip is about 150.4 miles (242 km) and usually takes 02h 51m 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?
Rock Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.2 miles from Burnsville and 75.2 miles from Thomson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 137.7 miles (221.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.7 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.92 one way or $37.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Burnsville and Rain Showers Likely near Thomson.
Stop Ideas Near Rock Creek
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 Rock Creek.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Burnsville and Thomson. Straight-line distance: 137.69 mi (221.59 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 Thomson
City in Minnesota, USA
| Population | 5,163 |
| Coordinates | 46.6635500, -92.3979700 |
| Altitude | 321 |
| Country | United States |
End: Thomson (-92.39797, 46.66355)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 242 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $18.92 | $37.83 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $20.78 | $41.56 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $23.28 | $46.56 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $25.78 | $51.56 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.