How far is Empire, MN from Eden Prairie, MN?
The driving distance from Empire, MN to Eden Prairie, MN is about 36 miles (57.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 39m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 19m 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 39m.
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 of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Empire and Eden Prairie.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and Eden Prairie.
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1
Start on 200th Street East
2106 ft · 42 sec · 200th Street East
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2
Take the ramp straight toward US 52 South
56 m · 7 sec
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3
Merge slight left
855 ft · 14 sec
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4
Take the exit left toward US 52 North
32 m · 10 sec
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5
Turn left
11.9 mi · 14 min
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6
Keep slight left to continue on MN 55 West: Minneapolis
4.5 mi · 5 min
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7
Continue on Dodd Road
1.4 km · 2 min · Dodd Road
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8
Take the exit right toward I 494 West
2055 ft · 50 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
14.6 mi · 18 min
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10
Keep slight left
1777 ft · 25 sec
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
1.5 mi · 2 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward CR 60: Mitchell Road
1518 ft · 39 sec
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13
Turn left onto Mitchell Road
2783 ft · 1 min · Mitchell Road
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14
Turn right onto Scenic Heights Road
2695 ft · 1 min · Scenic Heights Road
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Scenic Heights Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and Eden Prairie.
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 494 West
Merge slight left
14.6 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.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny leaving Empire and Mostly Sunny near Eden Prairie.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Empire to Eden Prairie?
The road trip is about 36 miles (57.9 km) and usually takes 00h 39m 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?
Mendota Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 18 miles from Empire and 18 miles from Eden Prairie.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 26.2 miles (42.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.8 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 7:10 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.53 one way or $9.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny around Empire and Mostly Sunny near Eden Prairie.
Stop Ideas Near Mendota Heights
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
City of Bloomington
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mendota Heights.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and Eden Prairie. Straight-line distance: 26.14 mi (42.07 km).
#1 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Eden Prairie
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 64,894 |
| Coordinates | 44.8546900, -93.4707900 |
| Altitude | 270 |
| Country | United States |
End: Scenic Heights Road (-93.470431, 44.854447)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 58 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 30m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 26m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.53 | $9.07 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.98 | $9.96 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.58 | $11.16 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $6.18 | $12.35 |
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.