This 206.6-mile drive from Jordan to Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a manageable one-day trip, taking an estimated 4 hours and 20 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-35, Highway 2, and Highway 61, you'll find yourself on highways for 97% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $31, this route focuses on efficient travel through the Midwest. The longest continuous stretch you'll encounter is 132.1 miles on I-35, so plan for minimal stops beyond essential breaks. This drive is best suited for those prioritizing time and directness over leisurely exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
103.3 miles from Jordan, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 21m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 20m. Total distance: 206.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (97%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 206.6-mile journey, with 97% of the route on major roads like I-35 and Highway 61. The personality of this drive is largely that of a steady interstate cruise, particularly during the 132.1-mile stretch on I-35. While there are transitions between roads, the overall feel is one of consistent speed and forward momentum. This isn't a winding backroad adventure, but rather a direct path designed for efficient travel between Jordan and Saint Paul.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 35 is the longest continuous segment at about 132.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and Highway 2. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 184.9 miles in near I 35E.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 206.6 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 184.9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 197.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
184.9 mi into trip|~3h 49m in|I 35E
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E toward Saint Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward Saint Paul
8
197.9 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 35E South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South
8
199.8 mi into trip|~4h 10m in|I 35E
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E toward I 35E South, US 10 East: St Paul
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 35E South, US 10 East: St Paul
9
205.3 mi into trip|~4h 16m 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
205.6 mi into trip|~4h 17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward 10th Street
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward 10th Street
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Jordan, MN to Saint Paul, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 96 along the way.
Cr 96
194.8 mi in|~4h
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 35
132.1 mi
2h 24m
Highway 2
24.5 mi
42m
Highway 61
23.5 mi
32m
I 35E
17 mi
19m
National Forest Hwy 11
2.4 mi
4m
Centerville Road
2.3 mi
4m
County Road 26
0.8 mi
1m
11th Street
0.7 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 132.1 mi, about 2h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Jordan, MN and Saint Paul, MN.
1
Start on CR 204
0.4 mi·1 min·CR 204
2
Turn left onto CR 15; FH 11
2.4 mi·4 min·National Forest Hwy 11
3
Turn left onto CR 2
24 mi·42 min·Highway 2
4
Continue on CR 2
346 ft·8 sec·4th Street
5
Turn right onto CR 26
0.8 mi·1 min·County Road 26
6
Continue on CR 26
0.7 mi·1 min·11th Street
7
Turn right onto MN 61
0.4 mi·57 sec·7th Avenue
Use the right lane.
8
Continue on MN 61
24 mi·32 min·Highway 61
9
Turn left onto I 35
4.0 mi·5 min·I 35
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
128 mi·2 hr 19 min·I 35
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
9.9 mi·10 min·I 35E
Toward Saint PaulUse the straight / right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Exit 117Toward CR 96Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn right onto CH 96
492 ft·12 sec·CH 96
Use the right lane.
14
Turn left onto CH 59
2.3 mi·4 min·Centerville Road
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto CH 15
0.4 mi·1 min·County Road E
Use the straight lane.
16
Take the ramp
226 ft·5 sec
Toward I 35E South: Saint PaulUse the right lane.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 35E SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 35E
1.6 mi·2 min·I 35E
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35E
5.5 mi·6 min·I 35E
Toward I 35E South, US 10 East: St PaulUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto US 10
0.1 mi·7 sec·US 10
Exit 107AToward US 10 East, I 94 East, US 52 South: 10th Street, Wacouta StreetUse the slight left / straight lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward 10th Street, Wacouta Street
22
Keep slight right at fork
409 ft·10 sec
Toward 10th StreetUse the slight right lane.
23
Continue on 10th Street East
0.2 mi·43 sec·10th Street East
24
Turn left onto Robert Street North
0.5 mi·1 min·Robert Street North
25
Turn right onto Kellogg Boulevard East
0.2 mi·44 sec·Kellogg Boulevard East
26
Turn right onto Wabasha Street North
162 ft·5 sec·Wabasha Street North
27
Arrive at destination
Wabasha Street North
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 20-minute duration, this trip is comfortably completed in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Since the majority of the drive is on highways, aim to leave Jordan early to avoid potential midday traffic as you approach Saint Paul. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost of around $31, you can easily manage your budget and time. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 132.1-mile segment on I-35, as services might be less frequent than you'd expect on a local road.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 103.3 miles from Jordan, MN, or about 2h 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.1 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 45 miles or 1h 14m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 103.3 miles or 2h 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 33m
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 Jordan, 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 Jordan, MN
This is one driving day of about 206.6 miles and 4h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 45 miles from Jordan, MN.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 35 for about 132.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 103.3 mi from Jordan, MN
· 2h 21m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$30.75 one way
$61.49 round trip
$3.78/gal25.4 MPG avg72 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.07
$33.13
$66.26
premium
$4.53
$36.86
$73.73
diesel
$5.61
$45.61
$91.23
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 72.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
62
0
$21.69
$9.92
Efficient EV
51.7
0
$18.08
$8.26
EV Truck/SUV
82.6
1
$28.92
$13.22
Gas CO2
72 kg
EV CO2
24 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Jordan, MN
Evening
in Jordan on Friday
Local time
6:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
31°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Saint Paul, MN
Evening
in Saint Paul on Friday
Local time
6:23 PM
CDT
Current temp
67°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
36 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
4h 20m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Jordan, MN to Saint Paul, MN covers 206.6 miles and takes about 4h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, Highway 2, Highway 61. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 103.3 miles from Jordan, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $30.75 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 206.6 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 184.9 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 197.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 199.8 miles (I 35E): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Jordan, MN to Saint Paul, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Cr 96 along the way.
