How far is Ely, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Ely, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 245.5 miles (395.1 km), with a travel time of about 03h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 212.6 miles (342.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 48m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 54m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Township in Carlton County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ely and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely and Minneapolis.
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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
4.6 mi · 7 min
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8
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
35 m · 1 sec
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9
Exit the roundabout
37.3 mi · 43 min
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10
Take the exit slight right
15.3 mi · 19 min
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11
Continue straight
3.9 mi · 7 min
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward I 35 South
24 m · 1 sec
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13
Exit the roundabout onto I 35 South
2829 ft · 40 sec
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14
Merge slight left
109.7 mi · 1 hr 58 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
23.4 mi · 27 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Washington Avenue
1299 ft · 42 sec
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17
Turn right onto Washington Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ely and Minneapolis.
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 35 South
Merge slight left
110 mi · 01h 58m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Light Snow leaving Ely and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ely to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 245.5 miles (395.1 km) and usually takes 03h 54m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mahtowa is a useful midpoint, sitting about 122.5 miles from Ely and 123 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 212.6 miles (342.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 32.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:12 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $30.91 one way or $61.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 77 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Snow around Ely and Chance Rain And Snow Showers near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Mahtowa
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 Mahtowa.
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Ely and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 212.63 mi (342.2 km).
#1 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| 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: 395 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 10m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 54m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 03m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $30.91 | $61.82 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $33.96 | $67.91 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $38.03 | $76.07 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $42.12 | $84.24 |
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.