How far is Elk River, MN from Burnsville, MN?
The driving distance from Elk River, MN to Burnsville, MN is about 47.5 miles (76.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 42m 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 00h 51m.
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.
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elk River and Burnsville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk River and Burnsville.
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1
Start on Jackson Avenue Northwest
80 m · 12 sec · Jackson Avenue Northwest
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2
Turn left onto Main Street Northwest
725 ft · 19 sec · Main Street Northwest
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3
Take the ramp slight right
51 m · 6 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto Voyageur Highway
1.1 km · 58 sec · Voyageur Highway
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5
Take the exit slight right
1992 ft · 48 sec
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6
Merge slight left
6.7 mi · 8 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 East: Minneapolis, Saint Paul
1.1 km · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
8.3 mi · 9 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 South
2227 ft · 32 sec
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10
Continue straight
21.9 mi · 27 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
1038 ft · 25 sec
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12
Continue on I 35W South: Albert Lea
2054 ft · 50 sec
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13
Merge slight left
5.9 mi · 7 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward MN 13 North
1006 ft · 24 sec
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15
Merge slight left
2721 ft · 42 sec
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16
Turn right onto Nicollet Avenue South
1.1 km · 2 min · Nicollet Avenue South
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17
Continue on Nicollet Avenue South
88 m · 13 sec · Nicollet Avenue South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Nicollet Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Elk River and Burnsville.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 494 South
Continue straight
21.9 mi · 00h 27m
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.
Sunny leaving Elk River and Mostly Sunny near Burnsville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elk River to Burnsville?
The road trip is about 47.5 miles (76.4 km) and usually takes 00h 51m 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?
Plymouth is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.5 miles from Elk River and 23.9 miles from Burnsville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.6 miles (63.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.9 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 4:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.96 one way or $11.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Elk River and Mostly Sunny near Burnsville.
Stop Ideas Near Plymouth
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 Plymouth.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elk River and Burnsville. Straight-line distance: 39.64 mi (63.8 km).
#1 Elk River
City in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 25,601 |
| Coordinates | 45.3038500, -93.5671800 |
| Altitude | 273 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Burnsville
The most populous city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,170 |
| Coordinates | 44.7677400, -93.2777200 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nicollet Avenue South (-93.277664, 44.76774)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 76 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.96 | $11.92 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.55 | $13.10 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $7.33 | $14.67 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $8.12 | $16.25 |
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 · May 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.