How far is Empire, MN from Apple Valley, MN?
The driving distance from Empire, MN to Apple Valley, MN is about 15.8 miles (25.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 11.2 miles (18 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 42m 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 21m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Dakota County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Empire and Apple Valley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and Apple Valley.
-
1
Start on 200th Street East
2106 ft · 42 sec · 200th Street East
-
2
Take the ramp straight toward US 52 South
56 m · 7 sec
-
3
Merge slight left
855 ft · 14 sec
-
4
Take the exit left toward US 52 North
32 m · 10 sec
-
5
Turn left
3.6 mi · 4 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward CR 46
2009 ft · 57 sec
-
7
Turn left onto Brandel Drive
1.4 mi · 2 min · Brandel Drive
-
8
Continue on 160th Street East
8 mi · 11 min · 160th Street East
-
9
Turn right onto Cedar Avenue
1 mi · 2 min · Cedar Avenue
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10
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Road 42
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and Apple Valley.
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.
160th Street East
Continue on 160th Street East
7.99 mi · 00h 11m
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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Empire and Sunny near Apple Valley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Empire to Apple Valley?
The road trip is about 15.8 miles (25.5 km) and usually takes 00h 21m 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?
Rosemount is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.5 miles from Empire and 8.4 miles from Apple Valley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 11.2 miles (18 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.6 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 7:48 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.00 one way or $4.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Empire and Sunny near Apple Valley.
Stop Ideas Near Rosemount
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 Rosemount.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and Apple Valley. Straight-line distance: 11.17 mi (17.98 km).
#1 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Apple Valley
A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 54,847 |
| Coordinates | 44.7319100, -93.2177200 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
End: 150th Street West (-93.21772, 44.731938)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 26 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 11m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $2.00 | $4.00 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $2.20 | $4.39 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $2.46 | $4.92 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $2.72 | $5.45 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.