How far is Minnetonka, MN from Lake Elmo, MN?
The driving distance from Minnetonka, MN to Lake Elmo, MN is about 38.2 miles (61.4 km), with a travel time of about 00h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 31 miles (49.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 50m 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 00h 55m.
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 Ramsey County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Areas Of Fog
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Minnetonka and Lake Elmo.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Minnetonka and Lake Elmo.
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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 right to continue on I 94 East
2191 ft · 49 sec
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11
Merge slight left
1.5 mi · 2 min
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12
Take the exit slight left toward I 35W North
1258 ft · 20 sec
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13
Merge slight left
4.8 mi · 6 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward MN 36
1758 ft · 25 sec
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15
Merge slight left
1359 ft · 19 sec
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16
Keep slight right to continue on MN 36
10.4 mi · 13 min
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17
Turn sharp right onto Geneva Avenue North
101 m · 9 sec · Geneva Avenue North
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18
Continue on Division Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · Division Street
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19
Continue on Century Avenue North
863 ft · 27 sec · Century Avenue North
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20
Turn left onto 34th Street North
3 mi · 4 min · 34th Street North
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21
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Stillwater Boulevard North
45 m · 3 sec · Stillwater Boulevard North
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22
Exit the roundabout onto Stillwater Boulevard North
2.2 mi · 4 min · Stillwater Boulevard North
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23
Turn right onto Lake Elmo Avenue North
2364 ft · 1 min · Lake Elmo Avenue North
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Elmo Avenue North
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Minnetonka and Lake Elmo.
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 right to continue on MN 36
10.4 mi · 00h 13m
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.
Sunny leaving Minnetonka and Areas Of Fog near Lake Elmo.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Minnetonka to Lake Elmo?
The road trip is about 38.2 miles (61.4 km) and usually takes 00h 55m 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?
Lauderdale is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19 miles from Minnetonka and 19.1 miles from Lake Elmo.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 31 miles (49.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.2 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:40 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.78 one way or $9.56 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 11.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Minnetonka and Areas Of Fog near Lake Elmo.
Stop Ideas Near Lauderdale
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 Lauderdale.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Menomonie, WI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Minnetonka and Lake Elmo. Straight-line distance: 31.03 mi (49.94 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 Lake Elmo
City in Washington County, Minnesota
| Population | 9,280 |
| Coordinates | 44.9958000, -92.8793800 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Elmo (-92.87938, 44.9958)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 61 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 32m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 28m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.78 | $9.56 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $5.25 | $10.51 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.89 | $11.77 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $6.52 | $13.04 |
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 · May 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.