How far is Thomson, MN from Apple Valley, MN?
The driving distance from Thomson, MN to Apple Valley, MN is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 15m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 139.2 miles (224 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 31m 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 15m.
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 Pine County, Minnesota, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Thomson and Apple Valley.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Thomson and Apple Valley.
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1
Start on Dalles Avenue
89 m · 10 sec · Dalles Avenue
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2
Turn right
3.9 mi · 6 min
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3
Turn left onto I 35 South: Saint Paul, Minneapolis
919 ft · 22 sec
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4
Merge slight left
107.8 mi · 1 hr 55 min
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5
Keep slight left to continue on Saint Paul
9.9 mi · 11 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward CR 96
1444 ft · 39 sec
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7
Turn right
150 m · 12 sec
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8
Turn left onto Centerville Road
2.3 mi · 5 min · Centerville Road
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9
Turn left onto County Road E
2230 ft · 1 min · County Road E
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10
Take the ramp slight right toward I 35E South: Saint Paul
69 m · 5 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E South
1455 ft · 38 sec
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12
Merge slight right
1.6 mi · 2 min
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E South, US 10 East: St Paul
5.5 mi · 7 min
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14
Keep slight right
1.1 km · 49 sec
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15
Take the exit slight left toward I 35E South
14.1 mi · 18 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward MN 77: Cedar Avenue
1524 ft · 37 sec
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17
Keep slight left to continue on MN 77 South: Cedar Avenue
1834 ft · 45 sec
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18
Keep slight right to continue on MN 77 South: Cedar Avenue
1406 ft · 34 sec
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19
Merge slight left onto Cedar Avenue
3.2 mi · 5 min · Cedar Avenue
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20
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · County Road 42
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Thomson and Apple Valley.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 35 South
Merge slight left
108 mi · 01h 55m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Thomson and Sunny near Apple Valley.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Thomson to Apple Valley?
The road trip is about 150.5 miles (242.2 km) and usually takes 02h 15m 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?
Rock Creek is a useful midpoint, sitting about 75.6 miles from Thomson and 74.9 miles from Apple Valley.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.2 miles (224 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.3 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 1:58 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.95 one way or $37.90 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 47.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Thomson and Sunny near Apple Valley.
Stop Ideas Near Rock Creek
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 Rock Creek.
Saint Paul Union Depot
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Thomson and Apple Valley. Straight-line distance: 139.2 mi (224.02 km).
#1 Thomson
City in Minnesota, USA
| Population | 5,163 |
| Coordinates | 46.6635500, -92.3979700 |
| Altitude | 321 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Apple Valley
A city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 54,847 |
| Coordinates | 44.7319100, -93.2177200 |
| Altitude | 291 |
| Country | United States |
End: 150th Street West (-93.21772, 44.731938)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 242 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 45m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 52m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $18.95 | $37.90 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $20.82 | $41.64 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $23.32 | $46.64 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $25.83 | $51.66 |
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 14, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.