How far is Forest Lake, MN from Minnetonka, MN?
The driving distance from Forest Lake, MN to Minnetonka, MN is about 43.9 miles (70.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.7 miles (57.5 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 Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Forest Lake and Minnetonka.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Forest Lake and Minnetonka.
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1
Start on Lake Street South
83 m · 15 sec · Lake Street South
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2
Continue on Lake Street South
93 m · 9 sec · Lake Street South
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward West Broadway Avenue
59 m · 11 sec · West Broadway Avenue
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4
Exit the roundabout onto West Broadway Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
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5
Take the ramp left toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1345 ft · 35 sec
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6
Merge slight left
4 mi · 4 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
14.7 mi · 16 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 694 West
2891 ft · 1 min
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9
Merge slight left
4.9 mi · 6 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward MN 100
3218 ft · 1 min
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11
Continue straight
9.5 mi · 12 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MN 7 West
1299 ft · 31 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Minnesota State Highway 7
7.8 mi · 12 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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14
Turn left onto County Road 101
73 m · 11 sec · County Road 101
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Road 101
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Forest Lake and Minnetonka.
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 35W
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
14.7 mi · 00h 16m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Forest Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minnetonka.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Forest Lake to Minnetonka?
The road trip is about 43.9 miles (70.7 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?
New Brighton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.9 miles from Forest Lake and 22.1 miles from Minnetonka.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.7 miles (57.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.2 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 $5.53 one way or $11.06 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Forest Lake and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minnetonka.
Stop Ideas Near New Brighton
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 New Brighton.
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 Minnetonka. Straight-line distance: 35.73 mi (57.5 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 Minnetonka
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 55,370 |
| Coordinates | 44.9133000, -93.5032900 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
End: County Road 101 (-93.503348, 44.913301)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 71 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.53 | $11.06 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.08 | $12.16 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.81 | $13.62 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.54 | $15.08 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.