How far is Minneapolis, MN from Empire, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Empire, MN is about 28.8 miles (46.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 41m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 25.3 miles (40.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 22m 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 41m.
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 Dakota County, Minnesota, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Empire.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue South
19 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue South
-
2
Continue on Washington Avenue South
1.3 km · 2 min · Washington Avenue South
-
3
Take the ramp right toward I 35W South
2309 ft · 47 sec
-
4
Keep slight left to continue on MN 55 East: Hiawatha Avenue
883 ft · 15 sec
-
5
Continue straight
699 ft · 12 sec
-
6
Merge slight left onto South 8th Street
768 ft · 13 sec · South 8th Street
-
7
Continue on Hiawatha Avenue
5.2 mi · 10 min · Hiawatha Avenue
-
8
Continue on Minnehaha Avenue
657 ft · 12 sec · Minnehaha Avenue
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward MN 55 East, MN 62 East
1856 ft · 45 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto Crosstown Highway
1.8 mi · 2 min · Crosstown Highway
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 55, MN 13 South
1.2 km · 1 min
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on MN 13 North: Mendota Historic Sites
10.8 mi · 13 min
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on Rochester
7.7 mi · 9 min
-
14
Take the exit slight right toward CR 66 West
32 m · 3 sec
-
15
Turn right onto 200th Street East
2172 ft · 44 sec · 200th Street East
-
16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 200th Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Empire.
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 13 North
Keep slight left to continue on MN 13 North: Mendota Historic Sites
10.8 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.
Sunny leaving Minneapolis and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Empire?
The road trip is about 28.8 miles (46.3 km) and usually takes 00h 41m 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?
Sunfish Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 14.4 miles from Minneapolis and 14.4 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 25.3 miles (40.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.5 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 7:08 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.64 one way or $7.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 9.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Minneapolis and Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Sunfish Lake
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
City of Bloomington
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Sunfish Lake.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Empire. Straight-line distance: 25.31 mi (40.73 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 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-93.01466, 44.65913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 46 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 21m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.64 | $7.28 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.00 | $8.00 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.48 | $8.96 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.96 | $9.92 |
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 24, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.