How far is Elk River, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Elk River, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 32.4 miles (52.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.8 miles (43.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 14m 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 37m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Elk River and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Elk River and Minneapolis.
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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 · 5 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
15.1 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight right
6.1 mi · 8 min
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10
Keep slight right
2056 ft · 25 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on 4th Street North
1.6 km · 2 min
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12
Keep slight right to continue on 2nd Avenue North
1328 ft · 40 sec
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13
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
861 ft · 36 sec · 2nd Avenue North
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14
Turn right onto North Washington Avenue
3167 ft · 2 min · North Washington Avenue
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15
Continue on 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 Elk River and Minneapolis.
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 94 East
Merge slight left
15.1 mi · 00h 18m
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 Elk River and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Elk River to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 32.4 miles (52.1 km) and usually takes 00h 37m 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?
Maple Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.2 miles from Elk River and 16.2 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.8 miles (43.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 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 7:16 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.07 one way or $8.14 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Elk River and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Maple Grove
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Champlin Utility Billing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Maple Grove.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Elk River and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 26.82 mi (43.16 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 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: 52 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 04m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.07 | $8.14 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.47 | $8.94 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.01 | $10.01 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.54 | $11.09 |
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.