Origin
Big Lake, MN
Late night in Big Lake on Wednesday
Local time
5:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Big Lake, MN to Burnsville, MN
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
1h 12m
Distance
56.7 mi
91 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$8
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 6m
★
6 AM
1h 12m
8 AM
1h 24m
10 AM
1h 16m
12 PM
1h 15m
3 PM
1h 17m
5 PM
1h 23m
8 PM
1h 9m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Lake, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Burnsville, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 56.7-mile drive from Big Lake to Burnsville, Minnesota, is an easy 1 hour and 12 minutes, making it a perfect single-day trip. You'll primarily navigate major interstates, including I-94, I-494, and I-35W, with 87% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this route is around $8, reflecting its relatively short distance. Given its manageable length and direct path, this drive is ideal for a quick excursion without the need for an overnight stay. It's a straightforward journey through the Midwest region of Minnesota.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
28.3 miles from Big Lake, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 35m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience on this route, with the majority of your travel on interstates. The road is predominantly fast-paced, designed for efficient travel between points. You'll encounter a longest uninterrupted stretch of 21.9 miles on I-494, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While mostly interstate, the route is designed for practicality rather than scenic exploration, keeping you moving steadily towards your destination.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 494 is the longest continuous segment at about 21.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 494 and I 94. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 5.3 miles in near I 94.
Route Complexity
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 56.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 5.3 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 8 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
5.3 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 94
Merge onto I 94
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
26.4 mi into trip
|
~33m in
Take the exit toward I 494 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
7
48.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 1m in
Take the exit toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
5
49.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
I 35W
Merge onto I 35W
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
55.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 9m in
Take the exit toward MN 13 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 3A
Toward MN 13 North
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 494 | 21.9 mi | 27m |
| I 94 | 21.1 mi | 22m |
| I 35W | 5.9 mi | 6m |
| Lake Street South | 2.8 mi | 5m |
| Broadway Street East | 1.5 mi | 2m |
| Nicollet Avenue South | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| MN 13 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Fenning Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 494
— 21.9 mi, about 27m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Lake, MN and Burnsville, MN.
1
Start on US 10; MN 25
53 ft
·
4 sec
·
Jefferson Boulevard
2
Turn right onto MN 25
2.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Lake Street South
3
Continue on MN 25
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Pine Street
4
Turn left onto CR 75
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Broadway Street East
5
Turn right onto CR 18
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
Fenning Avenue
6
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
7
Merge onto I 94
21 mi
·
22 min
·
I 94
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
Exit 216
Toward I 494 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Continue on I 494
22 mi
·
27 min
·
I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on this road
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
this road
Exit 5B
Toward I 35W South: Albert Lea
12
Merge onto I 35W
5.9 mi
·
6 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
Exit 3A
Toward MN 13 North
Use the straight / right lanes.
14
Merge onto MN 13
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
MN 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Turn right onto Nicollet Avenue South
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Nicollet Avenue South
16
Continue on Nicollet Avenue South
289 ft
·
13 sec
·
Nicollet Avenue South
17
Arrive at destination
Nicollet Avenue South
Trip Plan
For this 1 hour and 12-minute drive, starting early can help you avoid any potential rush hour traffic as you approach the Twin Cities metro area. Since it's a short trip, you won't need to worry about splitting the drive or extensive rest stops, though a quick break might be welcome. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is low at $8, it's always wise to fill up before you leave Big Lake. The longest stretch on I-494 is over 20 miles, so plan any necessary stops before or after that segment.
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 28.3 miles from Big Lake, MN, or about 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.9 miles.
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 56.7 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 28.3 miles or 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Burnsville, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Big Lake, MN so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Big Lake, MN
This is one driving day of about 56.7 miles and 1h 12m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Big Lake, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on I 494 for about 21.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28.3 mi from Big Lake, MN · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 56.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28.3 miles from Big Lake, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Burnsville, MN
The final approach into Burnsville, MN usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Burnsville, MN.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.44 one way
$16.88 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $9.09 | $18.18 |
| premium | $4.53 | $10.12 | $20.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $12.52 | $25.04 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$8
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$33–$58
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 17 | 0 | $5.95 | $2.72 |
| Efficient EV | 14.2 | 0 | $4.96 | $2.27 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.7 | 0 | $7.94 | $3.63 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% 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
Burnsville, MN
Late night in Burnsville on Wednesday
Local time
5:30 AM
CDT
Current temp
40°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
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
4 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
1h 12m 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 Big Lake, MN to Burnsville, MN covers 56.7 miles and takes about 1h 12m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 494, I 94, I 35W. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28.3 miles from Big Lake, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.44 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 8 significant decision points across 56.7 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 5.3 miles (I 94): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 26.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 48.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Big Lake, MN to Burnsville, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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