How far is Gilbert, MN from Ely, MN?
The driving distance from Gilbert, MN to Ely, MN is about 55.2 miles (88.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 00m 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 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.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Gilbert and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Gilbert and Ely.
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1
Start on Minnesota Avenue East
8 m · 3 sec · Minnesota Avenue East
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2
Turn right onto North Broadway
1421 ft · 42 sec · North Broadway
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3
Turn left onto State Highway 135
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 135
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4
Take the ramp right toward US 53 North: Virginia
1640 ft · 28 sec
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5
Merge slight left
8.1 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward MN 169: Ely
2825 ft · 44 sec
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7
Continue on State Highway 169
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 169
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8
Continue on Highway 169
28.6 mi · 40 min · Highway 169
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9
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Sheridan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Gilbert and Ely.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Highway 169
Continue on Highway 169
28.6 mi · 00h 40m
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.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Gilbert and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Gilbert to Ely?
The road trip is about 55.2 miles (88.9 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?
Tower is a useful midpoint, sitting about 27.5 miles from Gilbert and 27.7 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 39.9 miles (64.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.3 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 4:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.96 one way or $13.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 17.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Gilbert and Chance Rain Showers near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Tower
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 Tower.
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Gilbert and Ely. Straight-line distance: 39.91 mi (64.23 km).
#1 Gilbert
City in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,761 |
| Coordinates | 47.4888200, -92.4649100 |
| Altitude | 467 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
End: MN 1 (-91.86709, 47.903279)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 89 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 50m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 22m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 47m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $6.96 | $13.92 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $7.65 | $15.29 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $8.56 | $17.13 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $9.48 | $18.97 |
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.