How far is Ely, MN from Gilbert, MN?
The driving distance from Ely, MN to Gilbert, MN is about 55.2 miles (88.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 36m 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 01h 18m.
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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ely and Gilbert.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely and Gilbert.
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1
Start on West Sheridan Street
20.1 mi · 29 min · West Sheridan Street
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2
Continue on Main Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · Main Street
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3
Turn straight
21.5 mi · 29 min
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4
Keep slight left to continue on US 53 South: Virginia
3038 ft · 1 min
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5
Continue on US 53 South: Virginia
1664 ft · 22 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Speaker Irvin N. Anderson Memorial Highway
5.5 mi · 7 min · Speaker Irvin N. Anderson Memorial Highway
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7
Continue straight
2.4 mi · 4 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward MN 135: Gilbert, Biwabik
1553 ft · 48 sec
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9
Turn left onto State Highway 135
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 135
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10
Turn right onto North Broadway
1420 ft · 46 sec · North Broadway
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11
Turn left onto Minnesota Avenue East
8 m · 1 sec · Minnesota Avenue East
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Minnesota Avenue East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ely and Gilbert.
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 straight
21.5 mi · 00h 29m
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.
Chance Light Snow leaving Ely and Mostly Cloudy near Gilbert.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ely to Gilbert?
The road trip is about 55.2 miles (88.9 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Tower is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.6 miles from Ely and 27.7 miles from Gilbert.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 3:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.96 one way or $13.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Snow around Ely and Mostly Cloudy near Gilbert.
Stop Ideas Near Tower
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 Tower.
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ely and Gilbert. Straight-line distance: 39.91 mi (64.23 km).
#1 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Gilbert
City in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,761 |
| Coordinates | 47.4888200, -92.4649100 |
| Altitude | 467 |
| Country | United States |
End: Gilbert (-92.46491, 47.48882)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $6.96 | $13.92 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $7.65 | $15.29 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $8.56 | $17.13 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $9.48 | $18.97 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.