How far is Elbow Lake, MN from Eagan, MN?
The driving distance from Elbow Lake, MN to Eagan, MN is about 181.9 miles (292.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 52m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 159.2 miles (256.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 44m 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 52m.
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 Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elbow Lake and Eagan.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elbow Lake and Eagan.
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1
Start on Central Avenue
10 m · 3 sec · Central Avenue
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2
Turn right onto State Highway 79
1327 ft · 27 sec · State Highway 79
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3
Continue on 2nd Street Northeast
1055 ft · 21 sec · 2nd Street Northeast
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4
Continue on Viking Trail
3.1 mi · 5 min · Viking Trail
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5
Turn straight onto State Highway 79
8.5 mi · 12 min · State Highway 79
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6
Take the ramp right
1245 ft · 30 sec
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7
Merge slight left
134.1 mi · 2 hr 24 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 South
2227 ft · 32 sec
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9
Continue straight
24.7 mi · 31 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MN 77 South
1595 ft · 39 sec
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11
Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South: Killebrew Drive
1376 ft · 34 sec
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12
Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South
2261 ft · 55 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Cedar Avenue South
3.1 mi · 4 min · Cedar Avenue South
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14
Take the exit slight right toward CR 30: Diffley Road
1827 ft · 47 sec
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15
Turn left onto Diffley Road
1.2 km · 2 min · Diffley Road
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16
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Diffley Road
26 m · 2 sec · Diffley Road
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17
Exit the roundabout onto Diffley Road
2 mi · 4 min · Diffley Road
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18
Turn right onto Pilot Knob Road
734 ft · 41 sec · Pilot Knob Road
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19
Continue on Pilot Knob Road
156 m · 10 sec · Pilot Knob Road
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pilot Knob Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elbow Lake and Eagan.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
State Highway 79
Merge slight left
134 mi · 02h 24m
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 Elbow Lake and Sunny near Eagan.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elbow Lake to Eagan?
The road trip is about 181.9 miles (292.8 km) and usually takes 02h 52m 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?
Saint Joseph is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.4 miles from Elbow Lake and 92.6 miles from Eagan.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 159.2 miles (256.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.7 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 12:46 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $22.91 one way or $45.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 57.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Elbow Lake and Sunny near Eagan.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Joseph
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 Saint Joseph.
St. Cloud
Staples
Saint Paul Union Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elbow Lake and Eagan. Straight-line distance: 159.18 mi (256.18 km).
#1 Elbow Lake
City in and county seat of Grant County, Minnesota, United Statesn
| Population | 1,144 |
| Coordinates | 45.9941300, -95.9767200 |
| Altitude | 372 |
| 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 (-93.167022, 44.804131)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 293 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $22.91 | $45.83 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $25.17 | $50.35 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $28.20 | $56.39 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $31.23 | $62.45 |
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.