Origin
Crystal, MN
Afternoon in Crystal on Sunday
Local time
4:39 PM
CDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN
Drive Time
15m
Distance
9.8 mi
16 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$1
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 14m
★
6 AM
0h 15m
8 AM
0h 18m
10 AM
0h 16m
12 PM
0h 16m
3 PM
0h 16m
5 PM
0h 18m
8 PM
0h 14m
★
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Crystal, MN
Глеб Коровко
Trip Overview
If you are looking for a quick commute between Crystal and Minneapolis, this 9.8-mile journey is a straightforward trek across the Minnesota landscape. Expect a brief travel time of approximately 15 minutes, making it an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. You will navigate using a combination of MN 100 South and I-394, keeping your transit costs incredibly low with an estimated fuel budget of just $1. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, the transition between them is seamless and familiar. This route is designed for efficiency rather than sightseeing, serving as a practical link between the suburbs and the heart of the city.
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
4.9 miles from Crystal, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 7m into the drive .
Drive Character
This 9.8-mile trip is best described as a turn-heavy local drive rather than a long-haul highway cruise. You will find that the highway share is effectively zero, as the route relies on shifting between MN 100 South and the I-394 corridor. Because the longest uninterrupted stretch on MN 100 South is 0 miles, you should prepare for a drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. The experience is defined by frequent transitions and local road navigation rather than high-speed interstate monotony. It is a functional, short-distance drive that focuses on maneuvering through the local infrastructure.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 11 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MN 100 South 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 Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN is easy. At 15m 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 Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MN 100 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 394 West | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 394 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| 2nd Avenue North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| North Washington Avenue | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Washington Avenue South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
MN 100 South
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Crystal, MN and Minneapolis, MN.
1
Start on 42nd Avenue North
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
42nd Avenue North
2
Take the ramp right toward MN 100 South
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
MN 100 South
3
Merge slight left
3.5 mi
·
4 min
4
Take the exit slight right toward I 394 West, I 394 East: Minneapolis
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
I 394 West, I 394 East: Minneapolis
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 394 East: Minneapolis
0.4 mi
·
51 sec
·
I 394 East: Minneapolis
6
Keep slight right to continue on I 394 East: Minneapolis
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
I 394 East: Minneapolis
7
Merge slight left
3.4 mi
·
4 min
8
Turn left onto 2nd Avenue North
0.2 mi
·
36 sec
·
2nd Avenue North
9
Turn right onto North Washington Avenue
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
North Washington Avenue
10
Continue on Washington Avenue South
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
Washington Avenue South
11
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 15-minute excursion, you have plenty of flexibility when planning your departure time. You won't need to worry about pacing your stops, as the duration is short enough that you can easily complete the trip in one go without a break. Given the minimal fuel cost of $1, you can focus your budget on your destination rather than transit expenses. Keep in mind that because this is a turn-heavy route, it is wise to double-check your navigation before pulling out of Crystal. Use the 9.8-mile distance to your advantage by planning your arrival to avoid peak traffic hours in the Minneapolis area.
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 4.9 miles from Crystal, MN, or about 7m 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 9.8 miles or 15m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 4.9 miles or 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 12m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Minneapolis, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Crystal, 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 Crystal, MN
This is one driving day of about 9.8 miles and 15m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Crystal, 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 4.9 mi from Crystal, MN · 7m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
5 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 9.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 4.9 miles from Crystal, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Minneapolis, MN
The final approach into Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis, 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
$1.40 one way
$2.80 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
3 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $1.51 | $3.03 |
| premium | $4.39 | $1.69 | $3.39 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $2.18 | $4.35 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$26–$51
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 3.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $1 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 2.9 | 0 | $1.03 | $0.47 |
| Efficient EV | 2.5 | 0 | $0.86 | $0.39 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.37 | $0.63 |
Gas CO2
3 kg
EV CO2
1 kg (67% 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
Minneapolis, MN
Afternoon in Minneapolis on Sunday
Local time
4:39 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
6 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
15m 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 Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN covers 9.8 miles and takes about 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MN 100 South, I 394 West, I 394 East. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 4.9 miles from Crystal, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $1.40 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 Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN is easy. At 15m 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 Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Crystal, MN to Minneapolis, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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