How far is Minneapolis, MN from Columbus, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Columbus, MN is about 26.2 miles (42.2 km), with a travel time of about 00h 36m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 12m 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 36m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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
Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Columbus.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue South
19 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue South
-
2
Continue on Washington Avenue South
1.4 km · 3 min · Washington Avenue South
-
3
Take the ramp left toward I 35W North
1159 ft · 28 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
3.7 mi · 5 min
-
5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 36
1758 ft · 25 sec
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6
Merge slight left
1359 ft · 19 sec
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7
Keep slight left
7.1 mi · 9 min
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8
Keep slight left
6.5 mi · 7 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward CR 23
971 ft · 26 sec
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10
Turn left onto Lake Drive Northeast
5.5 mi · 8 min · Lake Drive Northeast
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11
Turn left onto Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
1.5 mi · 3 min · Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Columbus.
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.
MN 36
Keep slight left
7.1 mi · 00h 09m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Minneapolis and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Columbus?
The road trip is about 26.2 miles (42.2 km) and usually takes 00h 36m 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?
Mounds View is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.1 miles from Minneapolis and 13.1 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.3 miles (35.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.9 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 7:18 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.28 one way or $6.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Minneapolis and Mostly Cloudy then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near Mounds View
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Champlin Utility Billing
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mounds View.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 22.29 mi (35.88 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Columbus
City in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 4,211 |
| Coordinates | 45.2652200, -93.0501500 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbus (-93.05015, 45.26522)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 42 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.28 | $6.57 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $3.61 | $7.21 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.47 | $8.95 |
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.