Origin
Apple Valley, MN
Evening in Apple Valley on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN
Last recalculated Apr 15, 2026
Drive Time
24m
Distance
21.7 mi
35 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 23m
★
6 AM
0h 25m
8 AM
0h 29m
10 AM
0h 26m
12 PM
0h 26m
3 PM
0h 26m
5 PM
0h 29m
8 PM
0h 23m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Apple Valley, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Eden Prairie, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel between Apple Valley and Eden Prairie, you are looking at a quick 21.7-mile trip that typically takes about 24 minutes. This route is perfectly suited for a single-day excursion, as it functions more as a standard commute within the Midwest region than a long-haul road trip. You will navigate using a combination of Cedar Avenue, I-494 West, and US-212 West to reach your destination. With a modest fuel budget of approximately $3, it is an incredibly economical drive. Because the trip is brief and direct, there is no need for overnight stops or elaborate planning. Ultimately, this journey is a straightforward, practical way to traverse the local area without any unnecessary complexity.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
10.8 miles from Apple Valley, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that keeps you engaged rather than offering a monotonous interstate grind. While you will spend time on major thoroughfares like I-494, the route lacks long, uninterrupted stretches, requiring you to stay attentive through various transitions. You will navigate a mix of local roads and highway segments, though the drive does not rely heavily on highway travel. The personality of this trip is functional and precise, shifting from local corridors to busier arterial roads as you progress. Behind the wheel, you should be prepared for frequent adjustments as you weave through the suburban landscape toward Eden Prairie.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 10 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Cedar Avenue is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple - set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN is easy. At 24m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Avenue | — | — |
| I 494 West | — | — |
| US 212 West | — | — |
| CR 60 | — | — |
| Mitchell Road | — | — |
| Scenic Heights Road | — | — |
Some road-level metrics are being recalculated.
Longest stretch:
Cedar Avenue
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley, MN and Eden Prairie, MN.
1
Start on County Road 42
36 ft
·
6 sec
·
County Road 42
2
Turn right onto Cedar Avenue
9.5 mi
·
11 min
·
Cedar Avenue
3
Take the exit slight right toward I 494 West, MN 5 West
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
I 494 West, MN 5 West
4
Merge slight left
8.8 mi
·
11 min
5
Keep slight left
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
6
Take the exit slight right toward MN 5 West, US 212 West
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
MN 5 West, US 212 West
7
Take the exit slight right toward CR 60: Mitchell Road
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
CR 60: Mitchell Road
8
Turn left onto Mitchell Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Mitchell Road
9
Turn right onto Scenic Heights Road
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Scenic Heights Road
10
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a short 24-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though you should keep an eye on local traffic patterns during peak hours. You won't need to worry about planning for rest stops given the short duration and lack of required breaks. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for a quick turnaround, as the fuel cost is minimal at just $3. A helpful tip for this specific path is to pay close attention to the signage when transitioning between Cedar Avenue and the I-494 interchange. By staying alert during these road changes, you can ensure a smooth transition throughout the entire 21.7-mile journey.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 10.8 miles from Apple Valley, MN, or about 12m into the drive.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 21.7 miles or 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 10.8 miles or 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 21m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Eden Prairie, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Apple Valley, MN.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Apple Valley, MN
This is one driving day of about 21.7 miles and 24m.
At 21.7 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 10.8 mi from Apple Valley, MN · 12m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 21.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 10.8 miles from Apple Valley, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Eden Prairie, MN
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Eden Prairie, MN if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.23 one way
$6.46 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $3.48 | $6.96 |
| premium | $4.53 | $3.87 | $7.74 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $4.79 | $9.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$28–$53
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 7.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.5 | 0 | $2.28 | $1.04 |
| Efficient EV | 5.4 | 0 | $1.90 | $0.87 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 8.7 | 0 | $3.04 | $1.39 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Eden Prairie, MN
Evening in Eden Prairie on Wednesday
Local time
5:31 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
19 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
24m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN covers 21.7 miles and takes about 24m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Cedar Avenue, I 494 West, US 212 West. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 10.8 miles from Apple Valley, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.23 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
The drive from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN is easy. At 24m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Apple Valley, MN to Eden Prairie, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Eden Prairie, MN
More trips to Eden Prairie, MN
Explore more options from Apple Valley, MN or browse trips ending in Eden Prairie, MN.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse MN road trips.
Explore maps for Apple Valley, MN or Eden Prairie, MN on MapSof.net.