Origin
Plymouth, MN
Afternoon in Plymouth on Sunday
Local time
4:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
39°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN
Drive Time
3h 1m
Distance
163.2 mi
263 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$23
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 50m
★
6 AM
3h 2m
8 AM
3h 25m
10 AM
3h 10m
12 PM
3h 7m
3 PM
3h 11m
5 PM
3h 23m
8 PM
2h 55m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Plymouth, MN
Tom Fisk
Duluth, MN
Tom Fisk
Trip Overview
Driving from Plymouth to Duluth covers 163.2 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 1 minute. Because the trip is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach the North Shore without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $23 for fuel to complete the journey. Navigating out of the metro area involves transitioning through I-494 North, I-94 East, and I-35W North. Since both cities are located within the Midwest, the transition between these points is straightforward and consistent with regional driving expectations. Whether you are heading up for a quick getaway or a business trip, this route offers a reliable connection between these two Minnesota hubs.
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
81.6 miles from Plymouth, MN
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive as you make your way toward Duluth, which differs significantly from a monotonous, straight-line interstate grind. With a 0% highway share as defined by the route data, you will find yourself navigating a more technical path rather than cruising on long, uninterrupted stretches. The longest stretch of continuous travel on I-494 North is effectively zero miles, emphasizing that this journey requires your full attention on local transitions. As you progress, the road environment changes frequently, demanding constant engagement behind the wheel. It is a practical drive that keeps you focused, providing a distinct contrast to the high-speed, long-distance highway stretches found elsewhere in the state.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 494 North 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 Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN is easy. At 3h 1m 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 Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 494 North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 94 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| I 35W North | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| West 1st Street | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Priley Drive | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
I 494 North
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Plymouth, MN and Duluth, MN.
1
Start on the route
62 ft
·
3 sec
·
the route
2
Take the exit right toward I 494 North
187 ft
·
5 sec
·
I 494 North
3
Keep slight left to continue on I 494 North
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
I 494 North
4
Merge slight left
5.0 mi
·
6 min
5
Keep slight right to continue on I 94 East, I 694 East
0.5 mi
·
36 sec
·
I 94 East, I 694 East
6
Merge slight left
6.3 mi
·
7 min
7
Keep slight left
6.5 mi
·
7 min
8
Take the exit slight right toward I 35W North
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
·
I 35W North
9
Merge slight left
3.0 mi
·
3 min
10
Keep slight left
17 mi
·
18 min
11
Keep slight left
124 mi
·
2 hr 14 min
12
Take the exit slight right
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
13
Keep slight left
0.3 mi
·
19 sec
14
Turn right onto West 1st Street
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
West 1st Street
15
Turn left onto Priley Drive
89 ft
·
9 sec
·
Priley Drive
16
Continue on Priley Drive
446 ft
·
33 sec
·
Priley Drive
17
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
Since this is a 163.2-mile trip with a 3-hour duration, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. Planning for one designated stop will help you break up the drive comfortably and keep you refreshed for the arrival in Duluth. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $23 estimated cost can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency and local traffic patterns. Because the route is heavy on turns rather than long, straight highway segments, you should prioritize pacing yourself to avoid fatigue. A solid tip for this specific route is to account for the extra time required for local maneuvering, as the lack of long highway stretches means your average speed will be lower than on a standard interstate trek.
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 81.6 miles from Plymouth, MN, or about 1h 30m 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 80 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 81.6 miles or 1h 30m 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 29m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Duluth, 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 163.2 miles and 3h 1m.
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.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 81.6 mi from Plymouth, MN · 1h 30m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
82 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 81.6 miles from Plymouth, MN, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Duluth, MN
The final approach into Duluth, 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 Duluth, 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
$23.34 one way
$46.69 round trip
$3.63/gal
25.4 MPG avg
57 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $3.92 | $25.19 | $50.39 |
| premium | $4.39 | $28.22 | $56.44 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $36.26 | $72.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$23
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$48–$73
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 57.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 49 | 0 | $17.14 | $7.83 |
| Efficient EV | 40.8 | 0 | $14.28 | $6.53 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 65.3 | 0 | $22.85 | $10.44 |
Gas CO2
57 kg
EV CO2
19 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
Duluth, MN
Afternoon in Duluth on Sunday
Local time
4:24 PM
CDT
Current temp
61°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
22 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
3h 1m 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 Duluth, MN covers 163.2 miles and takes about 3h 1m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 494 North, I 94 East, I 35W North. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 81.6 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 $23.34 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.
The drive from Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN is easy. At 3h 1m 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 Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Plymouth, MN to Duluth, MN does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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