How far is Grand Marais, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Grand Marais, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 264.3 miles (425.3 km), with a travel time of about 04h 18m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 236.9 miles (381.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 37m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 18m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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 Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Grand Marais and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Grand Marais and Minneapolis.
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1
Start on West 1st Street
83 m · 13 sec · West 1st Street
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2
Turn left onto North Broadway
65 m · 15 sec · North Broadway
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3
Turn sharp left onto West Highway 61
82.9 mi · 1 hr 47 min · West Highway 61
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4
Continue on 7th Avenue
1.2 mi · 3 min · 7th Avenue
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5
Continue on Highway 61
23.5 mi · 32 min · Highway 61
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6
Turn left
4 mi · 5 min
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7
Keep slight left
128.1 mi · 2 hr 19 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 35W: Minneapolis
23.4 mi · 27 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward Washington Avenue
1299 ft · 42 sec
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10
Turn right onto Washington Avenue South
1.2 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Grand Marais and Minneapolis.
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 61
Keep slight left
128 mi · 02h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Grand Marais and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Grand Marais to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 264.3 miles (425.3 km) and usually takes 04h 18m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Carlton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 132 miles from Grand Marais and 132.3 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 236.9 miles (381.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 27.4 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:22 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $33.30 one way or $66.60 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 82.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Grand Marais and Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Carlton
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 Carlton.
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Grand Marais and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 236.92 mi (381.29 km).
#1 Grand Marais
City in Minnesota, U.
| Population | 1,341 |
| Coordinates | 47.7504500, -90.3342700 |
| Altitude | 188 |
| 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: 425 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 08h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 17m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 46m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 17m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $33.30 | $66.60 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $36.58 | $73.17 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $40.98 | $81.95 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $45.38 | $90.76 |
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 · Jun 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.