How far is Waconia, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance from Waconia, MN to Minneapolis, MN is about 33.3 miles (53.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 45m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 27.1 miles (43.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 30m 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 45m.
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.
The most populous city in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Waconia and Minneapolis.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Waconia and Minneapolis.
-
1
Start on the route
15 m · 6 sec
-
2
Turn right
66 m · 18 sec
-
3
Turn right onto North Elm Street
63 m · 14 sec · North Elm Street
-
4
Turn left onto Main Street East
1.4 km · 2 min · Main Street East
-
5
Turn left onto State Highway 5
2.9 mi · 4 min · State Highway 5
-
6
Continue on Arboretum Boulevard
5.2 mi · 8 min · Arboretum Boulevard
-
7
Continue on Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway
1.3 mi · 2 min · Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway
-
8
Turn left onto Hazeltine Boulevard
2.2 mi · 3 min · Hazeltine Boulevard
-
9
Turn right onto Minnesota State Highway 7
6.3 mi · 9 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
-
10
Keep slight left to continue on Minnesota State Highway 7
6 mi · 9 min · Minnesota State Highway 7
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward MN 100 North
1036 ft · 25 sec
-
12
Merge slight left onto CR 5
1.3 mi · 2 min
-
13
Take the exit slight right toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
14
Merge slight left
3.1 mi · 4 min
-
15
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
861 ft · 36 sec · 2nd Avenue North
-
16
Turn right onto North Washington Avenue
3167 ft · 2 min · North Washington Avenue
-
17
Continue on Washington Avenue South
798 ft · 32 sec · Washington Avenue South
-
18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Washington Avenue South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Waconia 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.
Minnesota State Highway 7
Turn right onto Minnesota State Highway 7
6.3 mi · 00h 09m
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.
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely leaving Waconia and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minneapolis.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Waconia to Minneapolis?
The road trip is about 33.3 miles (53.6 km) and usually takes 00h 45m 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 is a useful midpoint, sitting about 15.7 miles from Waconia and 17.6 miles from Minneapolis.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 27.1 miles (43.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.2 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 7:00 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.21 one way or $8.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms Likely around Waconia and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Minneapolis.
Stop Ideas Near Minnetonka
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.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Waconia and Minneapolis. Straight-line distance: 27.1 mi (43.62 km).
#1 Waconia
City in Carver County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 1,194 |
| Coordinates | 44.8508000, -93.7869100 |
| Altitude | 309 |
| 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: 54 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 28m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 24m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $4.21 | $8.42 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $4.63 | $9.25 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $5.18 | $10.37 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $5.74 | $11.48 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.