How far is Orono, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Orono, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 18.5 miles (29.7 km), with a travel time of about 00h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 16.7 miles (26.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 53m 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 26m.
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.
A city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Orono and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Orono and Minneapolis.
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1
Start on the route
13 m · 5 sec
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2
Turn right onto Leaf Street
2655 ft · 2 min · Leaf Street
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3
At the end of the road, turn right onto Watertown Road
2659 ft · 1 min · Watertown Road
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4
Turn left onto Old Crystal Bay Road North
1.2 km · 2 min · Old Crystal Bay Road North
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5
Turn right onto Wayzata Boulevard
2.9 mi · 5 min · Wayzata Boulevard
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6
Take the ramp straight toward US 12 East
2478 ft · 39 sec
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7
Merge slight right
4.2 mi · 5 min
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8
Merge slight right
9.3 mi · 12 min
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9
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
861 ft · 36 sec · 2nd Avenue North
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10
Turn right onto North Washington Avenue
3167 ft · 2 min · North Washington Avenue
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11
Continue on Washington Avenue South
798 ft · 32 sec · Washington Avenue South
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Orono and Minneapolis.
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.
US 12 East
Merge slight right
9.31 mi · 00h 12m
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 Orono and Mostly Sunny near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Orono to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 18.5 miles (29.7 km) and usually takes 00h 26m 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?
Minnetonka Mills is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.8 miles from Orono and 8.7 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 16.7 miles (26.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.8 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 7:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.32 one way or $4.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Orono and Mostly Sunny near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Minnetonka Mills
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 Minnetonka Mills.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Orono and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 16.66 mi (26.81 km).
#1 Orono
City in Hennepin County, Minnesota, US
| Population | 8,348 |
| Coordinates | 44.9713500, -93.6044000 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Washington Avenue South (-93.263838, 44.979973)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 30 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $2.32 | $4.64 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $2.55 | $5.10 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $2.85 | $5.71 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $3.16 | $6.32 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.