How far is Ely, MN from West Co on Rapids, MN?
The driving distance from Ely, MN to West Co on Rapids, MN is about 243.4 miles (391.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 202.3 miles (325.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 09h 41m 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 04h 50m.
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 Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Ely and West Co on Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ely and West Co on Rapids.
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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
11.3 mi · 12 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 10 West
2437 ft · 59 sec
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17
Merge slight left
3.5 mi · 4 min
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18
Keep slight right to continue on MN-610
4.3 mi · 5 min · MN-610
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19
Take the exit slight right toward Noble Parkway
1919 ft · 50 sec
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20
Turn right onto Noble Parkway
1.8 mi · 3 min · Noble Parkway
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21
Continue on West River Road
1.5 km · 2 min · West River Road
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West River Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Ely and West Co on Rapids.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Ely and Chance Rain Showers near West Co on Rapids.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Ely to West Co on Rapids?
The road trip is about 243.4 miles (391.7 km) and usually takes 04h 50m 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 121.6 miles from Ely and 121.7 miles from West Co on Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 202.3 miles (325.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 41.1 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 7:18 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.40 one way or $72.79 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 76.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Ely and Chance Rain Showers near West Co on Rapids.
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 West Co on Rapids. Straight-line distance: 202.23 mi (325.45 km).
#1 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
#2 West Co on Rapids
A city in Anoka County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,528 |
| Coordinates | 45.1596900, -93.3496700 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: West Co on Rapids (-93.34967, 45.15969)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 392 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 03m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 02m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.24 | $36.40 | $72.79 |
| Mid-grade | $4.69 | $40.28 | $80.56 |
| Premium | $5.20 | $44.66 | $89.32 |
| Diesel | $6.18 | $53.11 | $106.22 |
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 · Sep 17, 2026