How far is Cottonwood, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Cottonwood, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 140.4 miles (226 km), with a travel time of about 02h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 03m 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 31m.
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 Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cottonwood and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cottonwood and Minneapolis.
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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
30.9 mi · 37 min
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9
Continue on Crosstown Highway
4.9 mi · 6 min · Crosstown Highway
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10
Take the exit slight left toward I 35W North
964 ft · 24 sec
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11
Merge slight left
5.4 mi · 7 min
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12
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West
2634 ft · 32 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on 5th Avenue South
1682 ft · 43 sec
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14
Continue on 5th Avenue South
3272 ft · 2 min · 5th Avenue South
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15
Turn left onto Washington Avenue South
798 ft · 32 sec · Washington Avenue South
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cottonwood 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.
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 Rain And Snow Showers near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cottonwood to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 140.4 miles (226 km) and usually takes 02h 31m 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 70.2 miles from Cottonwood and 70.3 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 120.9 miles (194.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 19.5 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 1:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.70 one way or $35.40 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 44.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Cottonwood and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Minneapolis.
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 Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 120.93 mi (194.61 km).
#1 Cottonwood
City in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,223 |
| Coordinates | 44.6088500, -95.6741900 |
| Altitude | 329 |
| 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: 226 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 20m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 45m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.70 | $35.40 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $19.45 | $38.90 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $21.78 | $43.57 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $24.13 | $48.25 |
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.