How far is Franconia, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Franconia, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 50.2 miles (80.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 56m 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 58m.
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 Anoka County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Franconia and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Franconia and Minneapolis.
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1
Start on Summer Street
906 ft · 44 sec · Summer Street
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2
Continue on Franconia Trail
3165 ft · 2 min · Franconia Trail
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3
Turn right onto Saint Croix Trail
1809 ft · 31 sec · Saint Croix Trail
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4
Continue straight
756 ft · 13 sec
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5
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Lake Boulevard
72 m · 3 sec · Lake Boulevard
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6
Exit the roundabout onto Lake Boulevard
4.5 mi · 5 min · Lake Boulevard
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Lake Boulevard
41 m · 2 sec · Lake Boulevard
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8
Exit the rotary onto Lake Boulevard
14.5 mi · 18 min · Lake Boulevard
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9
Merge slight left
5 mi · 5 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
23.4 mi · 27 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Washington Avenue
1299 ft · 42 sec
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12
Turn right onto Washington Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Franconia and Minneapolis.
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
23.4 mi · 00h 27m
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 Franconia and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Franconia to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 50.2 miles (80.8 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Columbus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.8 miles from Franconia and 25.4 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.4 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 4:34 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.32 one way or $12.63 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Franconia and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Columbus
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Columbus.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Franconia and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 38.78 mi (62.41 km).
#1 Franconia
Township in Chisago County, Minnesota
| Population | 1,902 |
| Coordinates | 45.3702400, -92.6916000 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| 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: 81 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 15m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 37m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $6.32 | $12.63 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.94 | $13.88 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $7.77 | $15.55 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $8.61 | $17.22 |
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.