Origin
Blaine, MN
Afternoon in Blaine on Sunday
Local time
3:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Blaine, MN to Afton, MN
Drive Time
49m
Distance
38.7 mi
62 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 45m
★
6 AM
0h 49m
8 AM
0h 58m
10 AM
0h 52m
12 PM
0h 51m
3 PM
0h 53m
5 PM
0h 57m
8 PM
0h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Blaine, MN
Tom Fisk
Afton, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
If you are planning a quick excursion across Minnesota, the 38.7-mile journey from Blaine to Afton is an efficient option. Expect to spend about 49 minutes behind the wheel, making this a perfect candidate for a single-day trip. With a fuel budget of approximately $6, the route is as affordable as it is straightforward. You will primarily utilize US 10, the Voyageur Highway, and Saint Croix Trail South to complete your travel. Since both the origin and destination sit within the Midwest, you can anticipate a familiar regional atmosphere throughout the drive. It is an ideal path for those who prioritize a direct, highway-focused connection over a leisurely backroads tour.
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
19.3 miles from Blaine, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 23m into the drive .
Drive Character
This drive is defined by its reliance on major thoroughfares, with 69% of your time spent on the highway. You will settle into a consistent rhythm during the longest stretch of the trip, which covers 26.5 miles exclusively on US 10. As you transition from the suburban feel of Blaine, the road character shifts to accommodate higher speeds and more sustained movement. The experience is primarily designed for efficiency rather than technical driving or winding curves. By keeping your focus on these main arteries, you can maintain steady progress toward your destination in Afton without unnecessary navigation hurdles.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
US 10 is the longest continuous segment at about 26.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 10 and Voyageur Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.9 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 38.7 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 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.4 miles (US 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.8 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
1.9 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Take the exit toward US 10 East
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 10 East
7
6.4 mi into trip
|
~8m in
|
US 10
Take the exit onto US 10 toward US 10 East: Saint Paul
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 28A
Toward US 10 East: Saint Paul
9
12.8 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
US 10 / Voyageur Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10 / Voyageur Highway toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 46
Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
9
18.3 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
US 10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10 toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 107A
Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th...
8
34.2 mi into trip
|
~41m in
|
MN 95
Take the exit onto MN 95 toward MN 95 North, CH 18: Stillwater
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 258
Toward MN 95 North, CH 18: Stillwater
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Blaine, MN to Afton, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Ch 18: Stillwater along the way.
Ch 18: Stillwater
34.2 mi in
|
~41m
|
via MN 95
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 10 | 26.5 mi | 31m |
| Voyageur Highway | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| Saint Croix Trail South | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Central Avenue Northeast | 1.9 mi | 2m |
| Saint Croix Trail North | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| MN 95 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Afton Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
US 10
— 26.5 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Blaine, MN and Afton, MN.
1
Start on MN 65
26 ft
·
8 sec
·
Central Avenue Northeast
2
Continue on MN 65
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Central Avenue Northeast
Use the left lane.
3
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
Toward US 10 East
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Merge onto US 10
4.1 mi
·
4 min
·
US 10
Use the straight / slight left / none lanes.
5
Take the exit onto US 10
0.6 mi
·
55 sec
·
US 10
Exit 28A
Toward US 10 East: Saint Paul
Use the slight right lane.
6
Continue on US 10
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
US 10
Use the none lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
US 10
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 10
5.5 mi
·
6 min
·
Voyageur Highway
Exit 46
Toward US 10 East, I 35 South: St Paul
Use the slight right lane.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
16 mi
·
19 min
·
US 10
Exit 107A
Toward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
10
Take the exit onto MN 95
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
·
MN 95
Exit 258
Toward MN 95 North, CH 18: Stillwater
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Turn right onto CH 18
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
12
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
118 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
13
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
14
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
103 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
15
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
16
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
98 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
17
Continue on CH 18
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
18
Turn right onto CH 18
80 ft
·
1 sec
·
Afton Boulevard
19
Arrive at destination
CH 18
Trip Plan
Because this is a short, 49-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. You can easily complete the entire 38.7-mile distance without needing to plan for formal rest stops or overnight accommodations. Since you won't be spending much on gas—budgeting just $6—you can focus your energy on timing your arrival to avoid peak traffic congestion on the busier highway segments. Make sure to pay close attention to your navigation as you transition between US 10 and the Saint Croix Trail South, as these junctions are key to keeping your trip under the hour mark. Using this direct approach allows you to maximize your time at your final destination rather than spending the day on the road.
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 19.3 miles from Blaine, MN, or about 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.5 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 38.7 miles or 49m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 19.3 miles or 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 40m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Afton, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Blaine, 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 Blaine, MN
This is one driving day of about 38.7 miles and 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Blaine, 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 US 10 for about 26.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 19.3 mi from Blaine, MN · 23m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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 38.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 19.3 miles from Blaine, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Afton, MN
The final approach into Afton, 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 Afton, 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
$5.54 one way
$11.07 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
14 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $5.97 | $11.95 |
| premium | $4.39 | $6.69 | $13.38 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.60 | $17.20 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$6
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$31–$56
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 13.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 64% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.6 | 0 | $4.06 | $1.86 |
| Efficient EV | 9.7 | 0 | $3.39 | $1.55 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 15.5 | 0 | $5.42 | $2.48 |
Gas CO2
14 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (64% 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
Afton, MN
Afternoon in Afton on Sunday
Local time
3:11 PM
CDT
Current temp
71°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
32 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
49m 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 Blaine, MN to Afton, MN covers 38.7 miles and takes about 49m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are US 10, Voyageur Highway, Saint Croix Trail South. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 19.3 miles from Blaine, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.54 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 16 significant decision points across 38.7 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 1.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 6.4 miles (US 10): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.8 miles (US 10 / Voyageur Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Blaine, MN to Afton, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Ch 18: Stillwater along the way.
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