How far is Empire, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Empire, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 29.3 miles (47.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.3 miles (40.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 12m 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 36m.
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 Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and Minneapolis.
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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
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on MN 55 West: Minneapolis
9.3 mi · 12 min
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward MN 55 West: Minnehaha Avenue, Hiawatha Avenue
972 ft · 24 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on MN 55 West: Hiawatha Avenue
1570 ft · 38 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Hiawatha Avenue
4.9 mi · 9 min · Hiawatha Avenue
-
10
Continue on South 7th Street
893 ft · 17 sec · South 7th Street
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota
2469 ft · 42 sec
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on 3rd Street, Washington Avenue, University of Minnesota, West Bank
140 m · 8 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on 3rd Street
1698 ft · 48 sec
-
14
Continue on South 3rd Street
1309 ft · 40 sec · South 3rd Street
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15
Turn right onto Chicago Avenue South
125 m · 16 sec · Chicago Avenue South
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16
Turn left onto Washington Avenue South
2035 ft · 1 min · Washington Avenue South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and Minneapolis.
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.
Longest stretch
Turn left
11.9 mi · 00h 14m
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 Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Empire to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 29.3 miles (47.1 km) and usually takes 00h 36m 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?
Inver Grove Heights is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.4 miles from Empire and 14.9 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.3 miles (40.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 4 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 7:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.68 one way or $7.35 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.2 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 Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Inver Grove 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 Inver Grove Heights.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
Eau Claire, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 25.31 mi (40.73 km).
#1 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| 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: 47 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 25m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.68 | $7.35 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.52 | $9.05 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.01 | $10.02 |
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.