Origin
Plymouth, MN
Afternoon in Plymouth on Sunday
Local time
4:26 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Plymouth, MN to Afton, MN
Drive Time
56m
Distance
41.2 mi
66 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$6
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 52m
★
6 AM
0h 57m
8 AM
1h 6m
10 AM
1h 0m
12 PM
0h 59m
3 PM
1h 1m
5 PM
1h 6m
8 PM
0h 54m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plymouth, MN
Tom Fisk
Afton, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
If you are looking to travel from Plymouth to Afton, you are in for a straightforward 41.2-mile journey across the Minnesota landscape. Expect a travel time of approximately 56 minutes, making this an ideal day trip that requires no overnight stay. With a modest fuel budget of around $6, this route is highly efficient for those looking to reach their destination quickly. You will remain within the Midwest region throughout the entire trip, transitioning between these two Minnesota communities. Because the drive is short, it offers great flexibility for your schedule, whether you are heading out for a morning excursion or an afternoon outing.
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
20.6 miles from Plymouth, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 28m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is heavily highway-focused, with 85% of your time spent cruising on major roads like I-394, I-94, and MN-55. You will experience a consistent pace behind the wheel, highlighted by a longest uninterrupted stretch of 26.2 miles on I-94. The character of the road is functional and direct, designed to move you efficiently from the western suburbs through the metropolitan area toward the St. Croix Valley. While you won't encounter technical mountain passes or winding backroads, the transition from urban highway infrastructure to the quieter roads leading into Afton provides a steady change in scenery. It is a predictable drive that favors speed and reliability over slow-paced exploration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 94 is the longest continuous segment at about 26.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 94 and I 394. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 41.2 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 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4.6 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward General Mills Boulevard
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
Toward General Mills Boulevard
7
5 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
8
10 mi into trip
|
~14m in
Take the exit toward I 94 East, I 94 West
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 8B
Toward I 94 East, I 94 West
8
10.1 mi into trip
|
~15m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 94 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 8B
Toward I 94 East
8
36.7 mi into trip
|
~49m 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 Plymouth, MN to Afton, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Ch 18: Stillwater along the way.
Ch 18: Stillwater
36.7 mi in
|
~49m
|
via MN 95
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 94 | 26.2 mi | 33m |
| I 394 | 4.4 mi | 5m |
| MN 55 | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Saint Croix Trail South | 3.4 mi | 5m |
| Saint Croix Trail North | 0.8 mi | 1m |
| US 169 | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| MN 95 | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| Afton Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 94
— 26.2 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plymouth, MN and Afton, MN.
1
Start on MN 55
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
MN 55
2
Continue on MN 55
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
MN 55
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on MN 55
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
MN 55
Use the none lane.
4
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 169 South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Merge onto US 169
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 169
Use the none lane.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
Use the straight / right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
55 sec
Toward General Mills Boulevard
Use the none / straight / right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 394 East: Minneapolis
Use the none lane.
9
Merge onto I 394
4.4 mi
·
5 min
·
I 394
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
Exit 8B
Toward I 94 East, I 94 West
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 8B
Toward I 94 East
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 94; MN 55
26 mi
·
33 min
·
I 94; MN 55
Use the none lane.
13
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.
14
Turn right onto CH 18
0.5 mi
·
53 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
15
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
118 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
16
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail North
Use the straight lane.
17
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
103 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
18
Continue on CH 18
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
19
Enter roundabout onto CH 18
98 ft
·
2 sec
·
Saint Croix Trail South
20
Continue on CH 18
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Saint Croix Trail South
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto CH 18
80 ft
·
1 sec
·
Afton Boulevard
22
Arrive at destination
CH 18
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 56-minute hop, you have plenty of freedom to choose your departure time to avoid potential peak-hour congestion on the interstate. You won't need to plan for any formal stops along the way, though keeping an eye on your fuel gauge is wise despite the low $6 cost estimate. Because the route relies so heavily on I-94, check local traffic reports before you leave to ensure that 26.2-mile stretch is moving smoothly. Use your flexibility to depart during off-peak hours to keep your transit time as close to the one-hour mark as possible. Pack light and enjoy the ease of a short, uncomplicated drive across the state.
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 20.6 miles from Plymouth, MN, or about 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 26.2 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 41.2 miles or 56m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 20.6 miles or 28m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 46m
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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, MN
This is one driving day of about 41.2 miles and 56m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Plymouth, 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 I 94 for about 26.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 20.6 mi from Plymouth, MN · 28m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 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 41.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 20.6 miles from Plymouth, 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
$5.89 one way
$11.79 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
14 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $6.36 | $12.72 |
| premium | $4.39 | $7.12 | $14.25 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $9.15 | $18.31 |
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: 14.4 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 | 12.4 | 0 | $4.33 | $1.98 |
| Efficient EV | 10.3 | 0 | $3.61 | $1.65 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.5 | 0 | $5.77 | $2.64 |
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
4:26 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
56m 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 Plymouth, MN to Afton, MN covers 41.2 miles and takes about 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 94, I 394, MN 55. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 20.6 miles from Plymouth, MN. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.89 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 19 significant decision points across 41.2 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 4.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 10 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Plymouth, MN to Afton, MN, road signs begin pointing toward Ch 18: Stillwater along the way.
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