How far is Forest Lake, MN from Burnsville, MN?
The driving distance from Forest Lake, MN to Burnsville, MN is about 44.5 miles (71.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.1 miles (61.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
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 00h 47m.
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.
City in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest Lake and Burnsville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest Lake and Burnsville.
-
1
Start on Lake Street South
83 m · 15 sec · Lake Street South
-
2
Continue on Lake Street South
93 m · 9 sec · Lake Street South
-
3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward West Broadway Avenue
59 m · 11 sec · West Broadway Avenue
-
4
Exit the roundabout onto West Broadway Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
-
5
Take the ramp left toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1345 ft · 35 sec
-
6
Merge slight left
4 mi · 4 min
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
39.1 mi · 47 min
-
8
Take the exit slight right toward MN 13 North
1006 ft · 24 sec
-
9
Merge slight left
2721 ft · 42 sec
-
10
Turn right onto Nicollet Avenue South
1.1 km · 2 min · Nicollet Avenue South
-
11
Continue on Nicollet Avenue South
88 m · 13 sec · Nicollet Avenue South
-
12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Nicollet Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest Lake and Burnsville.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
I 35W
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
39.1 mi · 00h 47m
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.
Sunny leaving Forest Lake and Sunny near Burnsville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forest Lake to Burnsville?
The road trip is about 44.5 miles (71.6 km) and usually takes 00h 47m 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 Anthony is a useful midpoint, sitting about 22.9 miles from Forest Lake and 21.6 miles from Burnsville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.1 miles (61.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.4 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 CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:54 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.60 one way or $11.21 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Forest Lake and Sunny near Burnsville.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Anthony
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Saint Anthony.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Forest Lake and Burnsville. Straight-line distance: 38.1 mi (61.31 km).
#1 Forest Lake
City in Washington County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 21,285 |
| Coordinates | 45.2788600, -92.9852200 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Burnsville
The most populous city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,170 |
| Coordinates | 44.7677400, -93.2777200 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
End: Nicollet Avenue South (-93.277664, 44.76774)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 72 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 53m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 33m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.60 | $11.21 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.16 | $12.31 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.90 | $13.79 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.64 | $15.27 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.