How far is Columbus, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Columbus, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 26.1 miles (42 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 00m 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 30m.
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 Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbus and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbus and Minneapolis.
-
1
Start on Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
1.5 mi · 3 min · Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
-
2
At the end of the road, turn right onto Lake Drive Northeast
5.3 mi · 8 min · Lake Drive Northeast
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 35W South: Minneapolis
1131 ft · 28 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
18 mi · 22 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward Washington Avenue
1299 ft · 42 sec
-
6
Turn right onto Washington Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
-
7
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbus and Minneapolis.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
I 35W South
Merge slight left
18 mi · 00h 22m
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.
Clear leaving Columbus and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbus to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 26.1 miles (42 km) and usually takes 00h 30m 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?
Mounds View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13 miles from Columbus and 13 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.8 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 7:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.28 one way or $6.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Clear around Columbus and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Mounds View
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Champlin Utility Billing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mounds View.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbus and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 22.29 mi (35.88 km).
#1 Columbus
City in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 4,211 |
| Coordinates | 45.2652200, -93.0501500 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| 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: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.28 | $6.57 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $3.61 | $7.21 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.47 | $8.95 |
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.