Origin
Plymouth, MN
Evening in Plymouth on Friday
Local time
7:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
47°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Plymouth, MN to Arnold, MN
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
3h 16m
Distance
171.3 mi
276 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
EV Charging
Excellent
36 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 5m
★
6 AM
3h 17m
8 AM
3h 41m
10 AM
3h 25m
12 PM
3h 23m
3 PM
3h 26m
5 PM
3h 39m
8 PM
3h 10m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plymouth, MN
Wikimedia Commons
Arnold, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Plymouth, MN to Arnold, MN is 171.3 miles and takes about 3h 16m via I-35, with a fuel budget near $25 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward, highway-focused drive entirely within the Midwest, specifically Minnesota. You'll spend most of your time on interstates, making it a convenient option if you're looking for a quick trip without many detours. Plan for a single day of travel, as the duration is well within typical driving limits for a day trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
85.7 miles from Plymouth, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 16m. Total distance: 171.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 16m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is primarily on interstates, with 95% of the journey taking place on highways like I-35W and I-35. Expect a consistent highway-focused experience for the majority of your trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 123.8 miles, allowing for extended periods of steady driving. While the route remains largely on high-speed roads, the transition from I-694 to I-35W and then I-35 provides subtle shifts in the interstate environment.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 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 123.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 35 and I 35W. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 171.3 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: near the start: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 17 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
Take the exit toward I 494 North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early
Toward I 494 North
8
5.3 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 94 East, I 694 East
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 94 East, I 694 East
6
12.1 mi into trip
|
~15m in
|
I 694
Keep slight left at fork onto I 694
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
18.6 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Take the exit toward I 35W North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 41B
Toward I 35W North
6
21.8 mi into trip
|
~26m in
|
I 35W
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 35 | 123.8 mi | 2h 14m |
| I 35W | 19.8 mi | 21m |
| I 694 | 6.5 mi | 7m |
| I 94 | 6.3 mi | 7m |
| I 494 | 5 mi | 6m |
| Howard Gnesen Road | 4.1 mi | 7m |
| Kenwood Avenue | 1.4 mi | 3m |
| Mesaba Avenue | 1.3 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 35
— 123.8 mi, about 2h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plymouth, MN and Arnold, MN.
1
Start on MN 55
62 ft
·
3 sec
·
MN 55
2
Take the exit
186 ft
·
4 sec
Toward I 494 North
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
Toward I 494 North
4
Merge onto I 494
5.0 mi
·
6 min
·
I 494
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork
0.5 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 94 East, I 694 East
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 94; I 694
6.3 mi
·
7 min
·
I 94; I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 694
6.5 mi
·
7 min
·
I 694
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 41B
Toward I 35W North
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 35W
3.0 mi
·
3 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35W
17 mi
·
18 min
·
I 35W
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 35
124 mi
·
2 hr 14 min
·
I 35
12
Take the exit onto MN 194
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
MN 194
13
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 194
0.4 mi
·
24 sec
·
MN 194
14
Keep slight left at fork onto MN 194
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Mesaba Avenue
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Turn right onto East 13th Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
East 13th Street
16
Turn left onto East Skyline Parkway
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
East Skyline Parkway
17
Turn straight onto Kenwood Avenue
1.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Kenwood Avenue
18
Continue on CH 34
4.1 mi
·
7 min
·
Howard Gnesen Road
19
Turn right onto CH 2
1.0 mi
·
2 min
·
West Tischer Road
20
Turn left onto CH 36
55 ft
·
1 sec
·
Arnold Road
21
Arrive at destination
CH 36
Trip Plan
Given the 3h 16m drive time, leaving Plymouth, MN in the morning will get you to Arnold, MN with plenty of daylight to spare. With a fuel cost estimated at $25, you can comfortably plan your budget. Since this is a one-day trip, you won't need to break it up, but be aware of the 123.8-mile stretch on I-35 where you'll want to ensure you have sufficient fuel before embarking. Consider making your single stop around the halfway point to stretch your legs and refuel if needed.
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 85.7 miles from Plymouth, MN, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 123.8 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 38 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 85.7 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 35m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Arnold, 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 171.3 miles and 3h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Plymouth, 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 123.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 85.7 mi from Plymouth, MN · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 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 38 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 85.7 miles from Plymouth, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 35 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 123.8 miles.
Arriving in Arnold, MN
The final approach into Arnold, 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 Arnold, MN.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$25.49 one way
$50.99 round trip
$3.78/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.07 | $27.47 | $54.94 |
| premium | $4.53 | $30.56 | $61.13 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $37.82 | $75.64 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 59.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
36 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Maple Grove, MN
Tesla
12 DCFC
Maple Grove, MN
Maple Grove, MN
RIVIAN_ADVENTURE
12 DCFC
Brooklyn Park, MN Rechargery Relay @ Hy-Vee - Zane Ave North
Brooklyn Park, MN
IONNA
10 DCFC
Target - Tesla Supercharger
Minnetonka, MN
Tesla
8 DCFC
Hy-Vee - Tesla Supercharger
Robbinsdale, MN
Tesla
8 DCFC
Morries Minnetonka Ford
Minnetonka, MN
FORD_CHARGE
4 DCFC
CircleK - Plymouth
Plymouth, MN
CIRCLE_K
4 DCFC
McDonalds #12407, Maple Grove
Maple Grove, MN
eVgo Network
4 DCFC
DIRT_ROAD: 13
ChargePoint Network: 7
Tesla: 3
Non-Networked: 3
Blink Network: 2
EV Connect: 1
FORD_CHARGE: 1
IN_CHARGE: 1
CIRCLE_K: 1
eVgo Network: 1
RIVIAN_ADVENTURE: 1
IONNA: 1
ZEFNET: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.4 | 0 | $17.99 | $8.22 |
| Efficient EV | 42.8 | 0 | $14.99 | $6.85 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.5 | 0 | $23.98 | $10.96 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 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
Arnold, MN
Evening in Arnold on Friday
Local time
7:56 PM
CDT
Current temp
34°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
13 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
3h 16m 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 Arnold, MN covers 171.3 miles and takes about 3h 16m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 35, I 35W, 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 85.7 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 $25.49 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 171.3 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: near the start: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 5.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 12.1 miles (I 694): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Plymouth, MN to Arnold, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, NREL for EV charging, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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