How far is Empire, MN from West Co on Rapids, MN?
The driving distance from Empire, MN to West Co on Rapids, MN is about 47.7 miles (76.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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.
The second most populous city in Minnesota and the center of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Empire and West Co on Rapids.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Empire and West Co on Rapids.
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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 right to continue on US 52 North: Saint Paul
9.4 mi · 12 min
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7
Keep slight right
2755 ft · 1 min
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8
Merge slight left
1000 ft · 15 sec
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North, US 10 West
5.1 mi · 7 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
1620 ft · 20 sec
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11
Continue on I 694 West, US 10 West
3.9 mi · 5 min
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12
Take the exit slight right
2.8 mi · 4 min
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13
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W North, US 10 West
1.4 mi · 2 min
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14
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West
4.2 mi · 5 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on MN-610
4.3 mi · 5 min · MN-610
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16
Take the exit slight right toward Noble Parkway
1919 ft · 50 sec
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17
Turn right onto Noble Parkway
1.8 mi · 3 min · Noble Parkway
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18
Continue on West River Road
1.5 km · 2 min · West River Road
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West River Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Empire and West Co on Rapids.
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 comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Clear leaving Empire and Mostly Clear 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 Empire to West Co on Rapids?
The road trip is about 47.7 miles (76.7 km) and usually takes 01h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Saint Paul is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.8 miles from Empire and 23.9 miles from West Co on Rapids.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 9.4 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:28 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.72 one way or $13.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around Empire and Mostly Clear near West Co on Rapids.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Paul
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 Saint Paul.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Empire and West Co on Rapids. Straight-line distance: 38.28 mi (61.6 km).
#1 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| 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: 77 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 11m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 35m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.00 | $6.72 | $13.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.48 | $7.52 | $15.04 |
| Premium | $5.00 | $8.41 | $16.81 |
| Diesel | $6.12 | $10.28 | $20.56 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026