Origin
New Brighton, MN
Evening in New Brighton on Wednesday
Local time
7:02 PM
CDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from New Brighton, MN to Minnetonka, MN
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
30m
Distance
22.7 mi
37 km
Drive Score
5/10
Practical drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$3
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 28m
★
6 AM
0h 31m
8 AM
0h 36m
10 AM
0h 33m
12 PM
0h 32m
3 PM
0h 33m
5 PM
0h 36m
8 PM
0h 29m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
New Brighton, MN
Tom Fisk
Minnetonka, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 22.7-mile drive from New Brighton, MN to Minnetonka, MN is easily manageable in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. With 96% of the journey on highways, expect a quick and efficient transit between these two Midwest locations. The estimated fuel cost is a very reasonable $3, so you won't need to budget heavily for gas. Given its short distance and duration, this route is ideal for a spontaneous outing or a quick commute, requiring no overnight stays. It’s a practical option for getting from point A to point B without much fuss.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
11.4 miles from New Brighton, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 14m into the drive .
Drive Character
The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, as indicated by its 96% highway share. You'll spend most of your time on major arteries like MN 100, Minnesota State Highway 7, and I 694. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 9.5 miles on MN 100, offering a consistent pace. Expect a smooth, albeit potentially busy, driving experience typical of a metropolitan area. The route is designed for efficient travel rather than scenic exploration, with minimal deviations from high-speed roadways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 7 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MN 100 is the longest continuous segment at about 9.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MN 100 and Minnesota State Highway 7. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near I 694.
Route Complexity
4/10
Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time
This is a straightforward 30m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 694): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 5 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
I 694
Depart onto I 694
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
4.5 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward MN 100
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 35A
Toward MN 100
6
14.6 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Take the exit toward MN 7 West
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward MN 7 West
5
14.8 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7
Merge onto MN 7 / Minnesota State Highway 7
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
22.7 mi into trip
|
~30m in
|
CR 101 / County Road 101
Turn left onto CR 101 / County Road 101
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MN 100 | 9.5 mi | 11m |
| Minnesota State Highway 7 | 7.8 mi | 11m |
| I 694 | 4.5 mi | 5m |
| County Road 101 | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
MN 100
— 9.5 mi, about 11m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between New Brighton, MN and Minnetonka, MN.
1
Start on I 694
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
2
Take the exit
0.6 mi
·
1 min
Exit 35A
Toward MN 100
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
3
Continue on MN 100
9.5 mi
·
11 min
·
MN 100
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
Toward MN 7 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto MN 7
7.8 mi
·
11 min
·
Minnesota State Highway 7
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Turn left onto CR 101
239 ft
·
10 sec
·
County Road 101
Use the left lane.
7
Arrive at destination
CR 101
Trip Plan
For this short 30-minute drive, timing is key to avoiding local traffic. Leaving outside of peak rush hours will ensure you make the 22.7-mile journey smoothly. Since there are no designated stops and the drive is so brief, you can easily pack snacks and drinks. Pay attention to signage for MN 100, as it forms the longest stretch of your trip at 9.5 miles and can see significant traffic. The estimated $3 fuel cost is minimal, so a quick top-off before you leave is all you'll likely need.
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 11.4 miles from New Brighton, MN, or about 14m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 9.5 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 22.7 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11.4 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 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Minnetonka, MN than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving New Brighton, MN.
Day 1
Settle into the route from New Brighton, MN
This is one driving day of about 22.7 miles and 30m.
At 22.7 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on MN 100 for about 9.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11.4 mi from New Brighton, MN · 14m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 22.7 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11.4 miles from New Brighton, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Minnetonka, MN
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Minnetonka, MN if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$3.38 one way
$6.76 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $3.64 | $7.28 |
| premium | $4.53 | $4.05 | $8.10 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $5.01 | $10.02 |
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, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 6.8 | 0 | $2.38 | $1.09 |
| Efficient EV | 5.7 | 0 | $1.99 | $0.91 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.1 | 0 | $3.18 | $1.45 |
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.
Destination
Minnetonka, MN
Evening in Minnetonka on Wednesday
Local time
7:02 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
25 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
30m 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 New Brighton, MN to Minnetonka, MN covers 22.7 miles and takes about 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MN 100, Minnesota State Highway 7, I 694. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11.4 miles from New Brighton, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.38 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 straightforward 30m drive. You will face about 5 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (I 694): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 14.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from New Brighton, MN to Minnetonka, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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