How far is Cottonwood, MN from Eagan, MN?
The driving distance from Cottonwood, MN to Eagan, MN is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 35m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 10m 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 35m.
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 McLeod County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cottonwood and Eagan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cottonwood and Eagan.
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1
Start on Main Street
139 m · 13 sec · Main Street
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2
Turn left onto Barstad Road
3150 ft · 1 min · Barstad Road
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3
Turn right onto 390th Street
627 ft · 23 sec · 390th Street
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4
Turn left onto State Highway 23
14.9 mi · 19 min · State Highway 23
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5
Turn right
71.8 mi · 1 hr 34 min
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
47 m · 2 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout
10.2 mi · 12 min
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8
Keep slight right
27.4 mi · 33 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 East, MN 5 East
1223 ft · 18 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 East, MN 5 East
9 mi · 11 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 77 South
1595 ft · 39 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
1376 ft · 34 sec
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13
Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South
2261 ft · 55 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Cedar Avenue South
3.1 mi · 4 min · Cedar Avenue South
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15
Take the exit slight right toward CR 30: Diffley Road
1827 ft · 47 sec
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16
Turn left onto Diffley Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Diffley Road
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Diffley Road
26 m · 2 sec · Diffley Road
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18
Exit the roundabout onto Diffley Road
2 mi · 4 min · Diffley Road
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19
Turn right onto Pilot Knob Road
734 ft · 41 sec · Pilot Knob Road
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20
Continue on Pilot Knob Road
156 m · 10 sec · Pilot Knob Road
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21
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pilot Knob Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cottonwood and Eagan.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
Longest stretch
Turn right
71.8 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Cottonwood and Chance Snow Showers near Eagan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cottonwood to Eagan?
The road trip is about 144.5 miles (232.6 km) and usually takes 02h 35m 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?
Stewart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 70.6 miles from Cottonwood and 73.8 miles from Eagan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 123.8 miles (199.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 20.7 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 1:20 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.20 one way or $36.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 45.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cottonwood and Chance Snow Showers near Eagan.
Stop Ideas Near Stewart
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 Stewart.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cottonwood and Eagan. Straight-line distance: 123.86 mi (199.33 km).
#1 Cottonwood
City in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,223 |
| Coordinates | 44.6088500, -95.6741900 |
| Altitude | 329 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Eagan
The most populous city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 65,975 |
| Coordinates | 44.8041300, -93.1668900 |
| Altitude | 292 |
| Country | United States |
End: Pilot Knob Road (-93.167023, 44.804131)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 233 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 48m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $18.20 | $36.40 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $20.00 | $39.99 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $22.40 | $44.80 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $24.81 | $49.61 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.