How far is Minneapolis, MN from Franconia, MN?
The driving distance from Minneapolis, MN to Franconia, MN is about 49.3 miles (79.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 04m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 01h 02m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
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 Anoka County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minneapolis and Franconia.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minneapolis and Franconia.
-
1
Start on Washington Avenue South
19 m · 9 sec · Washington Avenue South
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2
Continue on Washington Avenue South
1.4 km · 3 min · Washington Avenue South
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3
Take the ramp left toward I 35W North
1159 ft · 28 sec
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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
16.7 mi · 18 min
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Lake Boulevard
14.3 mi · 18 min · Lake Boulevard
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Lake Boulevard
40 m · 2 sec · Lake Boulevard
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11
Exit the rotary onto Lake Boulevard
4.5 mi · 5 min · Lake Boulevard
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12
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward the route
8 m · 1 sec
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13
Exit the roundabout
776 ft · 13 sec
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14
Continue on Saint Croix Trail
1809 ft · 33 sec · Saint Croix Trail
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15
Turn left onto Franconia Trail
3165 ft · 2 min · Franconia Trail
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16
Continue on Summer Street
906 ft · 40 sec · Summer Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Summer Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minneapolis and Franconia.
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
16.7 mi · 00h 18m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Minneapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Franconia.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minneapolis to Franconia?
The road trip is about 49.3 miles (79.4 km) and usually takes 01h 02m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Columbus is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.7 miles from Minneapolis and 24.7 miles from Franconia.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.8 miles (62.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.21 one way or $12.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Minneapolis and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Franconia.
Stop Ideas Near Columbus
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 Columbus.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minneapolis and Franconia. Straight-line distance: 38.78 mi (62.41 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 Franconia
Township in Chisago County, Minnesota
| Population | 1,902 |
| Coordinates | 45.3702400, -92.6916000 |
| Altitude | 215 |
| Country | United States |
End: Franconia (-92.6916, 45.37024)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 14m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $6.21 | $12.42 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.82 | $13.65 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $7.64 | $15.28 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $8.46 | $16.93 |
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.