How far is Eden Prairie, MN from Empire, MN?
The driving distance from Eden Prairie, MN to Empire, MN is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 29m 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 44m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Eden Prairie and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Eden Prairie and Empire.
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1
Start on Scenic Heights Road
2728 ft · 1 min · Scenic Heights Road
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2
Turn left onto Mitchell Road
2257 ft · 52 sec · Mitchell Road
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3
Take the ramp right toward US 212 East, MN 5 East
1658 ft · 43 sec
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4
Merge slight left
1.4 km · 1 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 East, MN 5 East
1223 ft · 18 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 East, MN 5 East
15 mi · 19 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward MN 149, MN 55: Dodd Road
1701 ft · 44 sec
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8
Turn left onto Dodd Road
3226 ft · 1 min · Dodd Road
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9
Turn left
8.5 mi · 10 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Rochester
7.7 mi · 9 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward CR 66 West
32 m · 3 sec
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12
Turn right onto 200th Street East
2172 ft · 44 sec · 200th Street East
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 200th Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Eden Prairie and Empire.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 494 East
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 East, MN 5 East
15 mi · 00h 19m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Eden Prairie and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Eden Prairie to Empire?
The road trip is about 34.9 miles (56.2 km) and usually takes 00h 44m 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?
Sunfish Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.5 miles from Eden Prairie and 17.5 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.7 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.39 one way or $8.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Eden Prairie and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Sunfish Lake
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
City of Bloomington
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sunfish Lake.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Eden Prairie and Empire. Straight-line distance: 26.14 mi (42.07 km).
#1 Eden Prairie
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 64,894 |
| Coordinates | 44.8546900, -93.4707900 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-93.01466, 44.65913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 56 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.39 | $8.78 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.82 | $9.65 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.40 | $10.80 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.98 | $11.97 |
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.