How far is Plymouth, MN from Cottonwood, MN?
The driving distance from Plymouth, MN to Cottonwood, MN is about 135.6 miles (218.3 km), with a travel time of about 02h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 112.2 miles (180.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 48m 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 02h 54m.
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 McLeod County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Snow Showers
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Plymouth and Cottonwood.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plymouth and Cottonwood.
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1
Start on the route
855 ft · 24 sec
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2
Turn sharp left onto I 494 South
1590 ft · 41 sec
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3
Merge slight left
9.8 mi · 12 min
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4
Take the exit slight right toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
2434 ft · 59 sec
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5
Merge slight left
1.1 mi · 1 min
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6
Keep slight left
36.4 mi · 43 min
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7
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward US Highway 212
44 m · 2 sec · US Highway 212
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8
Exit the roundabout onto US Highway 212
71.8 mi · 1 hr 34 min · US Highway 212
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9
Turn left onto State Highway 23/67
14.9 mi · 19 min · State Highway 23/67
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10
Turn right onto 390th Street
627 ft · 20 sec · 390th Street
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11
At the end of the road, turn left onto Barstad Road
3150 ft · 1 min · Barstad Road
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12
Turn right onto Main Street
139 m · 12 sec · Main Street
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Plymouth and Cottonwood.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US Highway 212
Exit the roundabout onto US Highway 212
71.8 mi · 01h 34m
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.
Chance Snow Showers leaving Plymouth and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Plymouth to Cottonwood?
The road trip is about 135.6 miles (218.3 km) and usually takes 02h 54m 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?
Stewart is a useful midpoint, sitting about 67.7 miles from Plymouth and 68 miles from Cottonwood.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 112.2 miles (180.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.4 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 12:42 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.10 one way or $34.19 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Snow Showers around Plymouth and Mostly Sunny near Cottonwood.
Stop Ideas Near Stewart
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 Stewart.
St. Cloud
Saint Paul Union Depot
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Plymouth and Cottonwood. Straight-line distance: 112.24 mi (180.63 km).
#1 Plymouth
The second most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Population | 79,635 |
| Coordinates | 45.0105200, -93.4555100 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cottonwood
City in Lyon County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,223 |
| Coordinates | 44.6088500, -95.6741900 |
| Altitude | 329 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cottonwood (-95.67419, 44.60885)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 218 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 23m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 42m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 15m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 41m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $17.10 | $34.19 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $18.78 | $37.56 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $21.04 | $42.08 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $23.30 | $46.60 |
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.