How far is Lake Elmo, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Lake Elmo, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 24.1 miles (38.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18.8 miles (30.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 59m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 29m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Lake Elmo and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake Elmo and Minneapolis.
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1
Start on Lake Elmo Avenue North
2364 ft · 1 min · Lake Elmo Avenue North
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2
At the end of the road, turn left onto Stillwater Boulevard North
2.2 mi · 4 min · Stillwater Boulevard North
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward 34th Street North
45 m · 3 sec · 34th Street North
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4
Exit the roundabout onto 34th Street North
3 mi · 4 min · 34th Street North
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5
At the end of the road, turn right onto Century Avenue North
791 ft · 16 sec · Century Avenue North
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6
Continue on Division Street
1.4 mi · 3 min · Division Street
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7
Turn sharp left
10.6 mi · 13 min
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8
Merge slight left
4.2 mi · 5 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 Lake Elmo and Minneapolis.
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.
Longest stretch
Turn sharp left
10.6 mi · 00h 13m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Areas Of Fog leaving Lake Elmo and Mostly Clear near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake Elmo to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 24.1 miles (38.8 km) and usually takes 00h 29m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Little Canada is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11.5 miles from Lake Elmo and 12.6 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18.8 miles (30.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.3 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:30 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.03 one way or $6.07 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 7.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Areas Of Fog around Lake Elmo and Mostly Clear near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Little Canada
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 Little Canada.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake Elmo and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 18.82 mi (30.29 km).
#1 Lake Elmo
City in Washington County, Minnesota
| Population | 9,280 |
| Coordinates | 44.9958000, -92.8793800 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| 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: 39 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 20m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.03 | $6.07 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $3.33 | $6.67 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $3.73 | $7.47 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.13 | $8.27 |
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 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.