How far is Woodbury, MN from Ely, MN?
The driving distance from Woodbury, MN to Ely, MN is about 136.3 miles (219.4 km), with a travel time of about 02h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 98.9 miles (159.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 53m 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 56m.
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.
Unincorporated community in St.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Woodbury and Ely.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Woodbury and Ely.
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1
Start on Gisler Road
1011 ft · 34 sec · Gisler Road
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2
Turn left
23.4 mi · 29 min
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3
Turn left onto I 35 North: Duluth
950 ft · 23 sec
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4
Merge slight left
1.5 mi · 2 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward MN 33: Cloquet, Iron Range
2915 ft · 58 sec
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6
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
39 m · 2 sec
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7
Exit the roundabout
18.9 mi · 25 min
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8
Take the exit straight
1929 ft · 30 sec
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9
Merge slight right
37.4 mi · 43 min
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
34 m · 1 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
10.3 mi · 14 min
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12
Take the exit slight right toward MN 169: Ely
2825 ft · 44 sec
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13
Continue on State Highway 169
14.4 mi · 20 min · State Highway 169
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14
Continue on Highway 169
28.6 mi · 40 min · Highway 169
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Sheridan Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Woodbury and Ely.
Interchange-aware route
The drive includes several ramps, exits, or merges, so checking the next few maneuvers before busy interchanges is useful.
MN 33
Merge slight right
37.4 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny leaving Woodbury and Mostly Sunny near Ely.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Woodbury to Ely?
The road trip is about 136.3 miles (219.4 km) and usually takes 02h 56m 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?
Cotton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.1 miles from Woodbury and 68.2 miles from Ely.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 98.9 miles (159.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.4 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 12:36 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.38 one way or $40.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 42.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny around Woodbury and Mostly Sunny near Ely.
Stop Ideas Near Cotton
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 Cotton.
Duluth (University of Minnesota), Minnesota
Duluth (Greyhound Station), Minnesota
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Woodbury and Ely. Straight-line distance: 98.87 mi (159.12 km).
#1 Woodbury
The most populous city in Washington County, Minnesota.
| Population | 74,255 |
| Coordinates | 46.6791100, -92.9599300 |
| Altitude | 402 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Ely
City in Minnesota, United States
| Population | 3,325 |
| Coordinates | 47.9032400, -91.8670900 |
| Altitude | 436 |
| Country | United States |
End: Ely (-91.86709, 47.90324)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 219 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 32m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.24 | $20.38 | $40.76 |
| Mid-grade | $4.69 | $22.55 | $45.11 |
| Premium | $5.20 | $25.01 | $50.01 |
| Diesel | $6.18 | $29.74 | $59.48 |
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 · Sep 17, 2026