How far is Minnetonka, MN from Columbia Heights, MN?
The driving distance from Minnetonka, MN to Columbia Heights, MN is about 18.9 miles (30.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 32m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 14.7 miles (23.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 04m 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 32m.
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 most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers
Chance Snow Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minnetonka and Columbia Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnetonka and Columbia Heights.
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1
Start on County Road 101
859 ft · 26 sec · County Road 101
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2
Continue on County Road 101
1049 ft · 33 sec · County Road 101
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3
Turn right onto Minnesota State Highway 7
2.1 mi · 3 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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4
Keep slight left to continue on Minnesota State Highway 7
6 mi · 9 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 100 North
1036 ft · 25 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto CR 5
1.3 mi · 2 min
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7
Take the exit slight right toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
1.1 mi · 2 min
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8
Merge slight left
1.8 mi · 2 min
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 94 East, I 94 West
646 ft · 9 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 94 West
1.5 km · 2 min
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11
Merge slight left
1.1 km · 49 sec
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12
Take the exit slight right toward CR 81: Washington Avenue North, West Broadway Avenue
1706 ft · 44 sec
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13
Turn left onto North Washington Avenue
1.2 mi · 3 min · North Washington Avenue
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14
Turn right onto North Lowry Avenue
1835 ft · 54 sec · North Lowry Avenue
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15
Continue on Northeast Lowry Avenue
3015 ft · 2 min · Northeast Lowry Avenue
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16
Turn left onto Northeast University Avenue
1.6 mi · 3 min · Northeast University Avenue
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17
Continue on University Avenue Northeast
1919 ft · 36 sec · University Avenue Northeast
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · University Avenue Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minnetonka and Columbia Heights.
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.
Minnesota State Highway 7
Keep slight left to continue on Minnesota State Highway 7
6.02 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.
Chance Snow Showers leaving Minnetonka and Chance Snow Showers near Columbia Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minnetonka to Columbia Heights?
The road trip is about 18.9 miles (30.4 km) and usually takes 00h 32m 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?
Saint Louis Park is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.4 miles from Minnetonka and 9.4 miles from Columbia Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 14.7 miles (23.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.2 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 7:26 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.39 one way or $4.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers around Minnetonka and Chance Snow Showers near Columbia Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Louis Park
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 Saint Louis Park.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minnetonka and Columbia Heights. Straight-line distance: 14.68 mi (23.63 km).
#1 Minnetonka
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 55,370 |
| Coordinates | 44.9133000, -93.5032900 |
| Altitude | 275 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbia Heights
City in Anoka County, Minnesota
| Population | 20,381 |
| Coordinates | 45.0408000, -93.2630000 |
| Altitude | 281 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbia Heights (-93.263, 45.0408)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 30 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $2.39 | $4.78 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $2.63 | $5.25 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $2.94 | $5.89 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $3.26 | $6.52 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.