How far is West Co on Rapids, MN from Empire, MN?
The driving distance from West Co on Rapids, MN to Empire, MN is about 46.4 miles (74.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 58m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 57m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST.
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 00h 58m.
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.
The second most populous city in Minnesota and the center of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Clear
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between West Co on Rapids and Empire.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between West Co on Rapids and Empire.
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1
Start on West River Road
1.5 km · 2 min · West River Road
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2
Continue on Noble Parkway
1.9 mi · 4 min · Noble Parkway
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3
Turn left onto MN 610 East
2286 ft · 60 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto MN-610
3258 ft · 43 sec · MN-610
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 252 South
3113 ft · 1 min
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6
Continue straight
3.4 mi · 4 min
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 94 West, I 694
696 ft · 17 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on I 694 East
2056 ft · 52 sec
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9
Merge slight left
10.1 mi · 11 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on Voyageur Highway
5.5 mi · 7 min · Voyageur Highway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
2918 ft · 37 sec
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12
Take the exit slight right toward US 52
1604 ft · 39 sec
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13
Merge slight left onto Lafayette Freeway
13.3 mi · 17 min · Lafayette Freeway
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14
Keep slight right to continue on Rochester
7.7 mi · 9 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward CR 66 West
32 m · 3 sec
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16
Turn right onto 200th Street East
2172 ft · 44 sec · 200th Street East
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 200th Street East
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between West Co on Rapids and Empire.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Lafayette Freeway
Merge slight left onto Lafayette Freeway
13.3 mi · 00h 17m
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 Clear leaving West Co on Rapids and Mostly Clear near Empire.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from West Co on Rapids to Empire?
The road trip is about 46.4 miles (74.6 km) and usually takes 00h 58m 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?
Saint Paul is a useful midpoint, sitting about 23.1 miles from West Co on Rapids and 23.2 miles from Empire.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 8.1 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 CST. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:32 PM CST.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.56 one way or $13.11 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 14.6 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Clear around West Co on Rapids and Mostly Clear near Empire.
Stop Ideas Near Saint Paul
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 Saint Paul.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between West Co on Rapids and Empire. Straight-line distance: 38.28 mi (61.6 km).
#1 West Co on Rapids
A city in Anoka County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,528 |
| Coordinates | 45.1596900, -93.3496700 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Empire
Township in Dakota County, Minnesota
| Population | 3,071 |
| Coordinates | 44.6591300, -93.0146600 |
| Altitude | 260 |
| Country | United States |
End: Empire (-93.01466, 44.65913)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 75 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 55m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.00 | $6.56 | $13.11 |
| Mid-grade | $4.48 | $7.34 | $14.68 |
| Premium | $5.00 | $8.21 | $16.41 |
| Diesel | $6.12 | $10.03 | $20.07 |
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 · Nov 06, 2026