How far is Carlton, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Carlton, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 135.1 miles (217.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.2 miles (198.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 05m 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 02m.
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 of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Carlton and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carlton and Minneapolis.
-
1
Start on County Highway 1
21 m · 8 sec · County Highway 1
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2
Turn left onto Chestnut Avenue
2.6 mi · 4 min · Chestnut Avenue
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3
Turn left onto I 35 South: Saint Paul, Minneapolis
919 ft · 22 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
107.8 mi · 1 hr 55 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
23.4 mi · 27 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Washington Avenue
1299 ft · 42 sec
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7
Turn right onto Washington Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Carlton and Minneapolis.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
108 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely leaving Carlton and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Carlton to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 135.1 miles (217.4 km) and usually takes 02h 02m 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?
Pine City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.5 miles from Carlton and 67.6 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.2 miles (198.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.9 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 2:24 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.02 one way or $34.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely around Carlton and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Pine City
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 Pine City.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Carlton and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 123.16 mi (198.2 km).
#1 Carlton
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,081 |
| Coordinates | 46.6638300, -92.4249100 |
| Altitude | 330 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Minneapolis
The largest city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is a major center for business, finance, and culture.
| Population | 433,111 |
| Coordinates | 44.9799700, -93.2638400 |
| Altitude | 253 |
| Country | United States |
End: Washington Avenue South (-93.263838, 44.979973)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 217 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 55m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.02 | $34.05 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.70 | $37.41 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $20.95 | $41.90 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $23.20 | $46.40 |
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.