How far is Saint Paul, MN from Columbus, MN?
The driving distance from Saint Paul, MN to Columbus, MN is about 26.4 miles (42.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 34m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 22.2 miles (35.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 08m 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 34m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in the U.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Saint Paul and Columbus.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Saint Paul and Columbus.
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1
Start on Wabasha Street North
1641 ft · 1 min · Wabasha Street North
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2
Turn right onto 7th Street East
1140 ft · 44 sec · 7th Street East
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3
Turn left onto Robert Street North
1071 ft · 40 sec · Robert Street North
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4
Turn right onto 11th Street East
137 m · 18 sec · 11th Street East
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5
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North, US 10 West
1156 ft · 30 sec
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6
Continue straight
4.9 mi · 6 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
1620 ft · 20 sec
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North, I 694 East
2496 ft · 35 sec
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9
Merge slight left
1.3 km · 60 sec
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
15 mi · 16 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 97, CR 23
1196 ft · 29 sec
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12
Keep slight left to continue on CR 23 West
76 m · 14 sec
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13
Turn left onto Lake Drive Northeast
1542 ft · 28 sec · Lake Drive Northeast
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14
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Lake Drive Northeast
47 m · 3 sec · Lake Drive Northeast
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15
Exit the rotary onto Lake Drive Northeast
1.9 mi · 3 min · Lake Drive Northeast
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16
Turn right onto Camp 3 Road Northeast
894 ft · 29 sec · Camp 3 Road Northeast
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17
Turn right onto Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
1.3 mi · 2 min · Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Kettle River Boulevard Northeast
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Saint Paul and Columbus.
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.
I 35E North
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
15 mi · 00h 16m
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.
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers leaving Saint Paul and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Columbus.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Saint Paul to Columbus?
The road trip is about 26.4 miles (42.5 km) and usually takes 00h 34m 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?
North Oaks is a useful midpoint, sitting about 13.2 miles from Saint Paul and 13.2 miles from Columbus.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 22.2 miles (35.8 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 7:22 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.32 one way or $6.64 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 8.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers around Saint Paul and Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny near Columbus.
Stop Ideas Near North Oaks
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
Ham Lake City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to North Oaks.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Saint Paul and Columbus. Straight-line distance: 22.26 mi (35.83 km).
#1 Saint Paul
The second most populous city in Minnesota and the center of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
| Population | 306,717 |
| Coordinates | 44.9444100, -93.0932700 |
| Altitude | 242 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Columbus
City in Anoka County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 4,211 |
| Coordinates | 45.2652200, -93.0501500 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Columbus (-93.05015, 45.26522)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 43 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 31m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 19m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $3.32 | $6.64 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $3.65 | $7.29 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $4.08 | $8.17 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $4.52 | $9.05 |
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 04, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.