Trip from Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN

Drive Time

29m

Distance

22.5 mi

36 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$3

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 7 min

4 AM

0h 27m ★

6 AM

0h 29m

8 AM

0h 34m

10 AM

0h 31m

12 PM

0h 30m

3 PM

0h 31m

5 PM

0h 34m

8 PM

0h 28m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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Trip Overview

If you are planning a quick excursion from Coon Rapids to Saint Paul, you are looking at a straightforward 22.5-mile journey. This trip typically takes about 29 minutes, making it an ideal candidate for a single-day outing that requires no overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via East River Road and I-694 East to complete your transit between these two Midwest locations. With a fuel cost estimated at just $3, this is an incredibly budget-friendly way to move across the region. Because the duration is so short, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule without worrying about long-haul fatigue. It is a practical, no-nonsense connection that gets you to your destination efficiently.

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

11.2 miles from Co on Rapids, MN

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 14m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention rather than a monotonous interstate grind. While you will utilize I-694 East for a portion of the transit, the route is defined more by its local road connectivity than by long stretches of highway. In fact, the highway share is 0%, meaning you will spend your time navigating through the local infrastructure of the Twin Cities area. You will not encounter any long, uninterrupted stretches, as the road configuration on East River Road keeps the pace varied. Prepare for a dynamic driving experience that shifts frequently as you transition between local surface streets and the interstate connection.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 13 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

East River Road 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN is easy. At 29m 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
East River Road	Unavailable	Refreshing
I 694 East	Unavailable	Refreshing
the route	Unavailable	Refreshing
Voyageur Highway	Unavailable	Refreshing
US 10 East	Unavailable	Refreshing
10th Street	Unavailable	Refreshing
10th Street East	Unavailable	Refreshing
Robert Street North	Unavailable	Refreshing

Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.

Longest stretch: East River Road — detailed segment metrics are refreshing.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Co on Rapids, MN and Saint Paul, MN.

1

Start on Mississippi Boulevard Northwest

0.1 mi · 33 sec · Mississippi Boulevard Northwest

2

Turn right onto East River Road

3.9 mi · 7 min · East River Road

3

Take the ramp straight toward I 694 East

0.4 mi · 50 sec · I 694 East

4

Merge slight left onto the route

9.5 mi · 10 min · the route

5

Keep slight right to continue on Voyageur Highway

5.5 mi · 6 min · Voyageur Highway

6

Keep slight left to continue on US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street

0.1 mi · 7 sec · US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta Street

7

Take the exit slight right toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street

0.2 mi · 27 sec · 10th Street, Wacouta Street

8

Keep slight right to continue on 10th Street

410 ft · 10 sec · 10th Street

9

Continue on 10th Street East

0.2 mi · 44 sec · 10th Street East

10

Turn left onto Robert Street North

0.5 mi · 1 min · Robert Street North

11

Turn right onto Kellogg Boulevard East

0.2 mi · 45 sec · Kellogg Boulevard East

12

Turn right onto Wabasha Street North

164 ft · 6 sec · Wabasha Street North

13

Arrive at your destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a quick 29-minute trip, you have the advantage of total scheduling flexibility. You won't need to worry about planning formal stops, as the entire distance is easily manageable in one go. Keep in mind that because the route relies on local roads, traffic patterns can shift quickly, so checking your navigation app before you pull out of your driveway is a smart move. With only $3 budgeted for fuel, you can afford to be spontaneous with your timing. Your best bet is to avoid peak commuting hours if you prefer a smoother, less congested experience on the local roads connecting Coon Rapids and Saint Paul.

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 11.2 miles from Co on Rapids, MN, or about 14m 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 22.5 miles or 29m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 11.2 miles or 14m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Saint Paul, MN than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Co on Rapids, 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 Co on Rapids, MN

This is one driving day of about 22.5 miles and 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Co on Rapids, 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.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 11.2 mi from Co on Rapids, MN · 14m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Blaine, MN

11 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

Birchwood, MN

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22.5 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Blaine, MN

Meal break

The midpoint is around 11.2 miles from Co on Rapids, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Saint Paul, MN

The final approach into Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, 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

$3.22 one way

$6.44 round trip

$3.63/gal 25.4 MPG avg 8 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$3.92	$3.47	$6.95
premium	$4.39	$3.89	$7.78
diesel	$5.64	$5.00	$10.00

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: 7.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	6.8	$2.36	$1.08
Efficient EV	5.6	$1.97	$0.90
EV Truck/SUV	9	$3.15	$1.44

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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Co on Rapids, MN

Afternoon in Co on Rapids on Sunday

Local time

4:32 PM

CDT

Current temp

40°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Saint Paul, MN

Afternoon in Saint Paul on Sunday

Local time

4:32 PM

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

Very similar conditions

Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.

Road read

29m 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN covers 22.5 miles and takes about 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are East River Road, I 694 East, the route. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 11.2 miles from Co on Rapids, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.22 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN is easy. At 29m 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 Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.

The route from Co on Rapids, MN to Saint Paul, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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