How far is Minneapolis, MN from Dayton, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Dayton, MN is about 27.2 miles (43.8 km), with a travel time of about 00h 37m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 21.9 miles (35.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 15m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CST.
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 37m.
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.
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Dayton.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Dayton.
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1
Start on Washington Avenue South
1977 ft · 1 min · Washington Avenue South
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2
Turn left onto North 1st Avenue
130 m · 18 sec · North 1st Avenue
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3
Turn right onto North 3rd Street
127 m · 16 sec · North 3rd Street
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4
Take the ramp straight toward I 94 West
1.8 mi · 4 min
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5
Merge slight left
12.3 mi · 15 min
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6
Continue on I-94 W
5.6 mi · 6 min · I-94 W
-
7
Take the exit slight right toward Dayton Parkway
1530 ft · 37 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Dayton Parkway
65 m · 7 sec
-
9
Turn straight onto Dayton Parkway
2132 ft · 52 sec · Dayton Parkway
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10
Turn left onto County Road 81
1.5 km · 1 min · County Road 81
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11
Turn right onto Brockton Lane North
5.1 mi · 7 min · Brockton Lane North
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12
At the end of the road, turn left onto Dayton River Road
888 ft · 18 sec · Dayton River Road
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13
Continue on Division Street
564 ft · 16 sec · Division Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Division Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Dayton.
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.
I 94 West
Merge slight left
12.3 mi · 00h 15m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Minneapolis and Partly Sunny near Dayton.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Dayton?
The road trip is about 27.2 miles (43.8 km) and usually takes 00h 37m 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?
Maple Grove is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.5 miles from Minneapolis and 13.6 miles from Dayton.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 21.9 miles (35.3 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:14 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.75 one way or $7.51 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Minneapolis and Partly Sunny near Dayton.
Stop Ideas Near Maple Grove
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 Maple Grove.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Red Wing station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Dayton. Straight-line distance: 21.97 mi (35.35 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 Dayton
City in Hennepin and Wright counties in the U.
| Population | 83 |
| Coordinates | 45.2438500, -93.5149600 |
| Altitude | 268 |
| Country | United States |
End: Dayton (-93.51496, 45.24385)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 44 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 54m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 20m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.91 | $3.75 | $7.51 |
| Mid-grade | $4.38 | $4.21 | $8.41 |
| Premium | $4.92 | $4.72 | $9.45 |
| Diesel | $6.05 | $5.80 | $11.61 |
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 · Nov 09, 2026